{"id":4147,"date":"2025-05-29T13:38:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T10:38:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/?post_type=arthra&#038;p=4147"},"modified":"2026-06-11T15:29:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T12:29:14","slug":"prowra-mwra-anaptyxi-frontida-epiviwsi","status":"publish","type":"arthra","link":"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/arthra\/prowra-mwra-anaptyxi-frontida-epiviwsi\/","title":{"rendered":"Premature Babies: Development, Care &amp; Survival"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are Premature Babies?;\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Babies born before 37 weeks are considered premature.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The earlier a baby is born and the lower the birth weight, the higher the risk of mortality, complications and problems as the premature baby has not had the necessary time in the womb to fully develop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Categories of preterm newborns:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Mildly premature or almost complete:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 34-36 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Moderately premature:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 32-34 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Too soon:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 28-31 weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Extremely premature:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &lt;28 weeks old<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Definition of prematurity - what it means for the development of the infant:\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4150\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4150\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"longdesc-return-4150\" class=\"wp-image-4150 size-full\" tabindex=\"-1\" src=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/orismos-proorotitas.jpg\" alt=\"Baby slippers wrapped in light blue fabric\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" longdesc=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr?longdesc=4150&amp;referrer=4147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/orismos-proorotitas.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/orismos-proorotitas-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/orismos-proorotitas-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4150\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tender image of a premature newborn, a symbol of care and love.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Noto Sans', sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';\">of.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature babies often have immature organs, particularly lungs, brain and digestive system, which can lead to respiratory problems, feeding difficulties and an increased risk of infections due to their weak immune system and low levels of antibodies that pass from the mother's blood to the foetus during the third trimester of pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, they may experience delays in physical, motor and cognitive development. Premature birth can affect learning and behaviour in the long term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>With early intervention <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">but with the support of specialists, the child's development and quality of life are significantly improved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nowadays, the sophisticated and excellent intensive care of newborns from the first moments of their life by the hospital team helps to limit the complications of prematurity and the development of the infant, preventing difficulties that may arise later on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Survival Chances per Week\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Survival rates may vary depending on the country, the level of medical care, hospital policies, technological support, birth weight, complications, etc., but in general they are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>22-25 weeks: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very high risk (20-60%) of mortality, but advances in medicine are increasing the rates. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>26-28 weeks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Significant chance of survival with intensive care (80-95%)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>29-32 weeks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most cases have a very good outcome (&gt;95%)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>33-36 weeks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Often treated as \u201cmild prematurity\u201d - often without serious complications (&gt;98%)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight and weeks of pregnancy<\/span><\/h2>\n<table style=\"height: 641px;\" width=\"894\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gestation Week<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estimated Weight (g)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22\u03b7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b1 430<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25\u03b7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b1 660<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28\u03b7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b1 1000<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30\u03b7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b1 1320<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">32\u03b7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b1 1700<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">33\u03b7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b1 1900<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">36\u03b7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b1 2650<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">38\u03b7<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b1 3000<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">39\u03b7<\/span><\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b1 3200<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40\u03b7<\/span><\/td>\n<td>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00b1 3400<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Symptoms and Complications\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature birth is associated with a number of challenges for the newborn. Birth before the completion of intrauterine development, and particularly before 32 weeks of gestation, is often accompanied by functional immaturity of organs and systems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a result, it may present with characteristic symptoms and be at increased risk for complications that require specialised treatment and systematic monitoring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding these symptoms and possible effects is vital for early support and care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of Prematurity<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Low birth weight:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Premature babies often weigh less than 1,500g, which makes them more vulnerable to complications.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Difficulty in thermoregulation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They do not have sufficient fat and cannot maintain their temperature without external support.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Respiratory instability:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They have apneas or tachypnea due to immaturity of the lungs and the respiratory centre in the brain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reduced activity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/arthra\/myikos-tonos-ypotonia-ypertonia-spastikotita\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">subdued<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because their nervous system is not fully developed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Difficulty in feeding:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They do not have a well-developed swallowing reflex and find it difficult to breastfeed or drink from a bottle.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Icteros:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Their liver is immature and does not metabolise bilirubin properly, causing the yellow colour of the skin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Increased risk of autism:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Premature babies are at greater risk of developing disorders of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/arthra\/aytismos-symptomata-aities-therapeia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">autistic spectrum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to brain immaturity and neurodevelopmental complications.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prematurity complications<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Caused by the lack of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/el.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/%CE%95%CF%80%CE%B9%CF%86%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BF%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AC#:~:text=%CE%A4%CE%B1%20%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%B9%CF%86%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BF%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AC%20%CE%AE%20%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B3%CE%AC%20(surfactant,%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%85%20%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%B9%CE%BD%CE%BF%CE%AE%CE%B8%CE%B7%CE%BA%CE%B5%20%CF%80%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%AF%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%85%20%CF%84%CE%BF%201950.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">surfactant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (a substance produced in the lungs that is vital for breathing) and makes breathing difficult, often requiring oxygen or intubation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bronchopulmonary dysplasia:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Long-term lung damage due to prolonged oxygen support or ventilator support.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Severe inflammation in the intestine that can lead to necrosis and emergency surgery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Intra-abdominal bleeding:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Bleeding in the brain, especially in the first few days of life, which can affect growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Development delays:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They may be observed in motor, language or cognitive skills, often requiring <a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/prwimh-paremvasi\/\">early intervention<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Infections:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Their immune system is immature, so they are more vulnerable to serious infections such as sepsis or meningitis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anemia of prematurity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is caused by reduced red blood cell production and often requires transfusions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Abnormal growth of the retinal vessels that can lead to vision loss.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospitalisation - Inpatient and Intensive Care<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4149\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4149\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"longdesc-return-4149\" class=\"wp-image-4149 size-full\" tabindex=\"-1\" src=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/nosileia-proorou-morou.jpg\" alt=\"Incubators for premature babies in a hospital setting\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" longdesc=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr?longdesc=4149&amp;referrer=4147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/nosileia-proorou-morou.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/nosileia-proorou-morou-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/nosileia-proorou-morou-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4149\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Special incubator equipment for the treatment of premature newborns in the intensive care unit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is an incubator and when is it needed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The incubator is a <\/span><b>special medical device <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that offers a controlled environment <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">temperature, humidity and oxygenation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, to meet the needs of a premature or vulnerable newborn.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is required when the infant cannot maintain his or her own temperature, has a low birth weight, respiratory distress or needs increased monitoring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The incubator also protects against infections and excessive irritation from the external environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing and heating support devices<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature infants may need:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxygen through the nasal tube<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicahellas.gr\/blog\/ti-einai-siskevi-cpap-therapia-ipnikis-apnias.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CPAP<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (continuous positive pressure that keeps the alveoli of the lungs open for better gas exchange) for gentle breathing support,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mechanical ventilation (ventilator intubation) in severe cases where precise control of saturation, pressure, air volume and number of breaths is needed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, heating systems (such as radiators or incubators) that maintain body temperature at normal levels.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intensive monitoring of vital functions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), they are constantly monitored:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breaths<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxygenation (oxygen saturation)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body temperature<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is done through special sensors and monitors for immediate detection of problems and adjustment of care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does a premature baby stay in intensive care<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The length of hospitalisation depends on the week of gestation, birth weight and the presence of complications.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, a premature infant remains in the unit until:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It breathes on its own<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sufficiently lubricated by mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintains normal temperature outside the incubator<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It weighs about 2000g<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shows stability in vital functions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many cases, it remains until the expected date of delivery or even a little later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brain ultrasound - why it is done<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transcranial ultrasound (through the anterior source) is used to image the brain in premature infants.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is done to be checked:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The possible presence of intra-abdominal bleeding and leukomalacia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any hydrocephalus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cystic or ischemic lesions that may be associated with delayed growth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usual examination days:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1st-3rd day of life:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First check for early detection of intra-abdominal bleeding, which is common in the first 72 hours.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7th-10th day of life:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A second ultrasound to see if there is a new bleed or an extension of an existing bleed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">by day 28 or later (every 1-2 weeks):<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rechecks for the progression of the lesion, development of hydrocephalus or the appearance of leukomalacia (PVL), which often occurs late.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is a safe, painless and very useful test that is done on specific days of life and repeated if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeding and Breastfeeding of a Premature Baby<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4148\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4148\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"longdesc-return-4148\" class=\"wp-image-4148 size-full\" tabindex=\"-1\" src=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/diatrofi-proorou-morou.jpg\" alt=\"Premature baby sleeping in the arms, with nasogastric feeding tube\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" longdesc=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr?longdesc=4148&amp;referrer=4147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/diatrofi-proorou-morou.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/diatrofi-proorou-morou-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/diatrofi-proorou-morou-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4148\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Proper nutrition is critical for the survival and development of premature infants<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Milk for premature babies (special fortified formulations)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature babies have increased nutritional needs for calories, protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins and minerals, due to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/upbility.gr\/blogs\/blog\/8-jumps?srsltid=AfmBOoppYZcorKfo6V2H9-rNLwQJkJODlcqenSfE1EVZ9zjsmlY_WXjS\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rapid development<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the immaturity of the institutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Special milks\/drinks:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortified breast milk: A special \u201cfortifier\u201d is added to breast milk to increase its caloric and protein value.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preterm formula: these contain a higher concentration of nutrients and are used when breastfeeding is not possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After discharge, post-discharge formulas are often given until the baby reaches the \u201ccorrected\u201d 3-6 months.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequency &amp; quantities:<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the beginning: every 2-3 hours, even probing (e.g. 10-20 ml).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount of milk is gradually increased according to tolerance and weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The target is 150-180 ml\/pound\/day, but is modified by neonatologists.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding &amp; breast milk pumping<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding is considered a fundamental pillar of care for premature infants because of the unique composition of breast milk and its protective properties. Unlike formula, mother's milk is adapted to the gestational age and needs of the infant.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ideal biochemical composition<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Milk produced by mothers of premature babies (premature milk) has:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More proteins, essential for tissue growth,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher levels of immune factors (IgA, lactoferrin, lysozyme),<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fewer carbohydrates and adapted lipids, for easy digestion.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This adapted profile makes it ideal for the immature gastrointestinal tract of the premature baby.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protection from infections<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding drastically reduces the risk of:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious inflammatory bowel disease,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sepsis, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reactions and future food intolerances.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support for neurodevelopmental development<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Breast milk:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It contains fatty acids (DHA, ARA) that promote brain and retinal development,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is associated with better cognitive performance compared to artificial milks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthening the mother-infant bond<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if the baby does not breastfeed directly at first, the ability to offer her milk strengthens the emotional bonding and bonding with her. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/psychotherapeia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">psychological empowerment of the mother<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding practices of a premature infant<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>Pumping:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pumping should start within the first 6 hours after birth,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be done every 2-3 hours, 8-10 times a day, to maintain production,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With electric breast pump and systematic storage (cooling\/freezing) of milk.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transition to direct breastfeeding:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The preterm infant usually starts breastfeeding on a trial basis after 33-34 weeks of corrected age, when sucking-swallowing-breathing coordination has developed,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is enhanced by skin contact (kangaroo care), which improves the success of breastfeeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottles and pacifiers for premature infants<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The use of bottles and pacifiers in premature infants is an important tool to support feeding, especially when breastfeeding is not immediately possible due to immaturity of swallowing reflexes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature babies have increased care needs and require specialised means to feed them safely, without tiring them or putting them at risk of aspiration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottle:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specially designed for premature infants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smaller, softer nipples, so that they are not difficult to suck.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow and controlled flow, for safe swallowing and avoiding choking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticolic mechanisms to reduce air swallowing and discomfort.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternative feeding methods (syringe, cup, SNS) are often preferred until oral coordination is fully developed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ultimate goal is to transition to direct breastfeeding, conditions permitting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pacifiers:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They train the infant in breastfeeding-swallowing-breathing coordination.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They offer sedative action and support during enteral feeding (e.g. via nasogastric catheter).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ideal pacifiers:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Silicone, small size, suitable for premature.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specially designed for safety and correct oral movement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited use:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They should not replace breastfeeding,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term use may affect oral and dental development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are usually withdrawn gradually after discharge from the ICU.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much weight should the baby gain per week<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4152\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4152\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"longdesc-return-4152\" class=\"wp-image-4152 size-full\" tabindex=\"-1\" src=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/varos-prooron-moron.jpg\" alt=\"Premature infant in an incubator with medical equipment\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" longdesc=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr?longdesc=4152&amp;referrer=4147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/varos-prooron-moron.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/varos-prooron-moron-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/varos-prooron-moron-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4152\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Premature baby in an incubator - recording and caring for weight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain in premature infants is one of the key indicators of growth and health, but it depends on many factors, especially initial birth weight, gestational age, general health status and feeding method.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General principle of weight gain<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The expected increase in a stabilized premature is approximately:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15-20 grams\/kg\/day, that is:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~100-140 g\/week for infants ~1000g,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~150-200 g\/week for infants ~1500g and above.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indicative weight gain according to birth weight<\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Infant category<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Birth weight\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Expected weight gain\/ week<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultra Low Weight (ELBW)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&lt;1000 g<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~80-120 g\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very low weight (VLBW)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&lt;1500 g<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~100-150 g\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medium to low weight<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1500-2000 g<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~150-200 g\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Above 2000 g<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&gt;2000 g<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~200-250 g\/week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Note<\/strong>: In the first 5-7 24 hours, infants usually lose 5-15% of birth weight, which they regain in about 10-14 days. From then on, steady growth is monitored.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factors affecting growth<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type of food: Breast milk with fortifiers or specialised formulations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory status: babies with chronic lung disease may be developmentally delayed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal problems or infections: May reduce intake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neurodevelopmental maturation: affects the ability to feed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Objective: convergence with intra-mural growth<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The strategy in the NICU is to increase to approach the rate of intrauterine growth (20-30 g\/day in the latter stages of pregnancy),<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The aim is for the baby to grow as if it were still in the womb.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrition at home: when to start, how to support<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The initiation of exclusive oral feeding at home depends on the ability to breast or bottle feed, weight stability and maturity of reflexes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support at home includes:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continued use of fortified breast milk or special formulations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent monitoring by a paediatrician or neonatologist (weight, height, head circumference),<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dietary monitoring if there are feeding problems or delayed growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u0397 <\/span><b>introduction of solid foods starts in the corrected 6th month<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in the same order as for full-term infants, but you may need advice from a dietician or speech and language therapist if there are swallowing difficulties or delays.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Growth and Development at Home (200-250 words)<\/span><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age adjustment (corrected age vs. chronological)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Chronological age:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The age measured from the date of birth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Corrected (or adjusted) age:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Calculated by subtracting weeks of prematurity from the chronological age. For example, if an infant was born at 30 weeks (10 weeks early), then at 6 months of chronological age, the corrected age is 4 months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Why it is important:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is used to assess the growth, motor\/cognitive development and nutrition to be followed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age-adjusted age is applied up to 18-24 months, depending on prematurity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight and height gain trajectory<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature babies are usually smaller in weight and height than full-term babies and their growth rate depends on many factors: week of gestation, birth weight, complications, nutrition and environmental stimuli.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After birth, a delay in growth is often observed in the first few weeks, especially in extremely premature or hospitalized infants. However, with proper care and nutrition, the growth of premature infants gradually progresses and catches up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their progress is monitored by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mychildren.gr\/growthcharts\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">special growth curves<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Fenton, Intergrowth) up to 50-52 weeks gestational age and then with the WHO curves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The expected weekly weight gain ranges from:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15-20 gr\/day for premature babies under 2 kg,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20-30 gr\/day for older infants.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recovery of lost birth weight is usually completed in the first 2-3 weeks of life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical development is monitored at least monthly in the first year and reassessed on the basis of age-adjusted growth.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kinetic development<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature infants may have delays in motor milestones such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">head lifting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">roll<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sitting position<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">crawl<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">walking<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is due to immaturity of the neuromuscular system, hypotonia or complications such as cerebral haemorrhages or perinatal asphyxia. At the same time, they may show less spontaneous movement and difficulty in controlling positions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Physiotherapy in premature infants plays an important role in supporting their motor development.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The timely <a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/diagnosi\/\">evaluation and intervention<\/a> by a paediatric physiotherapist helps to prevent or minimise such difficulties, to facilitate normal motor development and to enhance the infant's interaction with its environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When physiotherapy starts:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can be started in the NICU (neonatal unit) in severely premature or high-risk infants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continued after discharge with monitoring by <\/span><b>a qualified physiotherapist.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Objectives of physiotherapy:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthening muscle tone and control of head and torso position.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improving coordination of movements and symmetry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facilitate the manifestation of physiological developmental stages (e.g. rolling, crawling, walking).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide instructions to parents on correct handling and feeding\/sleeping\/playing positions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent interventions:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Activities to strengthen the trunk and posture based on the stages of motor development\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Games and exercises with auxiliary equipment (balls, rollers, wedges) that reinforce the baby's future efforts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercises <a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/aisthitiriaki-oloklirosi-si\/\">sensory integration<\/a>, especially in infants with hypersensitivity<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Citation:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is recommended in premature &lt;32 weeks, infants with prolonged hospitalization, evidence of delay or neurological findings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cognitive and language development<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cognitive development of premature infants can be affected by brain immaturity, especially in infants under 32 weeks of age. Effects may be transient or persistent if there are concomitant complications (e.g. cerebral haemorrhage, chronic lung disease).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cognitive and language development often progresses at a similar rate, but there may be difficulties with concentration or speech delay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early intervention and assessment by specialists (developmental and speech therapist) is important.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent events:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/arthra\/diatarachi-epikoinonias-se-paidia-katanoisi-antimetwpisi-therapeytiki-ypostirixi\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">delay in perceiving or responding to stimuli<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/arthra\/eidiki-glwssiki-diatarachi-sli-symptwmata-therapeia\/\">difficulties in language development<\/a> (e.g. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/arthra\/pote-milane-ta-paidia-mwra\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">speech delay<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, poor vocabulary),<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">difficulty concentrating or organising play at an older age.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early intervention and assessment by specialists (developmental, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists) is important and should be regular, while preventive intervention can be included in early intervention programmes (e.g. <a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/logotherapeia\/\">speech therapy<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/ergotherapeia\/\">occupational therapy<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parental involvement is crucial. Interaction, singing, reading, eye contact and stability in routine are \u00abfoundations\u00bb of cognitive development.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccines in premature babies - delayed or not<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immunisation of preterm infants is extremely important, as these infants are more vulnerable to infections due to the immaturity of their immune system, prolonged hospitalisation and possible medical interventions (e.g. respiratory support, central lines, surgery).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Basic principle:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature infants should be vaccinated at the same chronological age (i.e. based on their date of birth), without delaying or waiting for them to \u201cmature\u201d further or reach a certain weight, unless there are serious medical contraindications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key points:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccines are not delayed due to prematurity, except in rare cases of severe instability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All basic vaccines (e.g. diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, pneumococcal, meningitis, measles, etc.) are given at the same age as for term infants<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some paediatricians monitor the reactivity of the premature infant a little more closely after the first vaccines, especially if there is a history of respiratory instability<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Special recommendations for premature:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>RSV vaccine (palivizumab):<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is not a \u201cvaccine\u201d in the typical sense, but a prophylactic monoclonal antibody against the virus <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacydiscount.gr\/blog\/rsv-%CF%83%CF%84%CF%81%CE%B5%CF%80%CF%84%CF%8C%CE%BA%CE%BF%CE%BA%CE%BA%CE%BF%CF%83.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RSV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (which causes severe bronchiolitis).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is given to selected premature infants (usually under 29 weeks of age or with associated cardiorespiratory problems) in the months of high virus circulation (autumn-winter).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Hepatitis B vaccine:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In infants &lt;2 kg, the first dose may be delayed until the infant is stable, unless the mother is HBV antigen positive, in which case it is given normally with specific instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Why are vaccines even more important in premature infants?;<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They have reduced maternal antibodies (especially if they are born too early).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are more likely to be hospitalised and have a higher likelihood of complications from viral and bacterial infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even mild infections in full-term infants can be serious or threatening to a premature baby.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep and daily routine of premature infants<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4153\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4153\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" id=\"longdesc-return-4153\" class=\"wp-image-4153 size-full\" tabindex=\"-1\" src=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ypnos-kai-kathimerinotita-prooron-moron.jpg\" alt=\"Premature infant sleeping in an incubator\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" longdesc=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr?longdesc=4153&amp;referrer=4147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ypnos-kai-kathimerinotita-prooron-moron.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ypnos-kai-kathimerinotita-prooron-moron-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ypnos-kai-kathimerinotita-prooron-moron-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4153\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sleep and daily life of premature babies in an incubator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u039f <\/span><b>sleep is a key pillar of the development of the premature infant<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as it relates to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maturation of the brain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the regulation of hormones<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">neurodevelopmental evolution<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Premature babies initially have unclear sleep-wake cycles, which gradually become organised.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Main sleep characteristics of premature infants:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shorter duration of continuous sleep compared to full-term infants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent awakenings due to hunger or discomfort.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They spend more of their sleep in REM sleep (important for CNS development).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sleep-wake cycle begins to stabilize around the corrected 3rd month.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Recommendations for healthy sleep:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always sleep in a supine position (on your back) to reduce the risk of sudden death.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stable environment: dark at night, bright during the day - helps regulate the biological clock.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calm sleep routine with fixed hours and gentle transition.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use of white noise or low volume tunes can help to calm down.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Returning home: what parents need to watch out for<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bringing a premature infant home is an important but stressful step for parents. It usually takes place when the infant:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can be fed orally (breast or bottle feeding).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing without support or with a constant level of oxygen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintains normal temperature without an incubator.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It has steady weight gain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Instructions for the house:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environment is calm, clean, no smoke or sick guests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possibly use home oxygen monitoring or other home monitor if recommended by the doctor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular medical monitoring by a paediatrician and\/or developmental physician.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parent education on feeding, medication, crisis management (e.g. apnea).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Information on development milestones and when to request further assessment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beware of visits and social contacts in the first few months to avoid infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stories of premature babies - encouraging testimonials<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parents who followed a programme <\/span><b>counselling and early intervention <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/fysikotherapeia\/\"><b>physiotherapy intervention<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> report spectacular results:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>E. 6 years old\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">E. was born at 27 weeks due to pre-eclampsia of the mother, with a B.G. of 930 g, she did not cry immediately, she came back with resuscitation, as the mother tells us <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cborn purple<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d. He stayed in the ICU for 3 months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After her hospitalization and alongside the standard developmental follow-up at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, all developmental stages were typically recorded (walked at 12 months, said first words at 12 months, made sentences at 2 years, and mastered sphincter control at 3 years.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She has been attending occupational and speech therapy since the age of 4 years old with excellent progress and has been smoothly integrated into kindergarten!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>R. 8 years old<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">R. was born at 29 weeks of gestation due to total placental abruption and internal bleeding of the mother, with a B.G. of 1750 g. He remained in the NICU for 38 days supported with oxygen due to low saturation. He attended an early intervention physical therapy program from 4 months of age and walked at 17 months (i.e., approximately 12 months of corrected age).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The child is now attending formal school in the first grade after re-enrolling in kindergarten. He attended special therapies throughout pre-school and the parents, despite the upset of his background, are happy and satisfied with his progress, supporting him continuously at every step.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These stories are a reminder that, with the right intervention and guidance, premature babies can have <\/span><b>unlimited possibilities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Parents, when surrounded by experts and empowered through information and support, are transformed into <\/span><b>most important allies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the development of their children.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Products and Equipment for Premature Babies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caring for a premature baby requires specialised products and equipment to meet its specific needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clothes for premature babies, such as overalls, tights and hats, are smaller and made of hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diapers should be specially sized for premature babies, offering comfort and protection without irritating the skin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soft, cotton and seamless sheets are ideal for their tiny beds. Special octopus pads help to calm baby, while ergonomic pillows support the correct position of the body and head.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For gifts, opt for practical and safe items such as clothes, pacifiers or soft toys.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pacifiers and bottles for premature babies are smaller and made for gentle sucking, while Pampers' advertisements promote products made specifically for premature babies, with respect to their needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature Birth &amp; Psychological Support for Parents\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature birth is a difficult experience that is often accompanied by an intense psychological burden for the parents. Fear for the baby's health, prolonged hospitalisation in neonatal intensive care units and the uncertainty of the situation cause anxiety, sadness and often guilt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u0397 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/psychotherapeia\/peristeri\/\"><b>psychological support<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is crucial for empowering parents, helping them to manage their emotions and stand firmly by their child.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/fysikotherapeia\/peristeri\/\"><b>physiotherapeutic intervention<\/b><\/a><b> in premature newborns<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> helps their motor development and adaptation to the extrauterine environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Participation in <\/span><b>forums and support groups for parents<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers practical help and emotional understanding from people with similar experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u0397 <\/span><b>17 November<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, World Prematurity Day, is an opportunity to raise awareness and support for these families.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you know a parent with a premature infant, the most important thing you can offer is <\/span><b>empathy and your presence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often, these parents experience intense anxiety, uncertainty and emotional isolation. Therefore, they need to feel supported and accepted. It is very helpful to share their experiences with parents who have had similar experiences with their children in order to feel solidarity and understanding.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some parents find refuge in their religious beliefs, seeking comfort and hope through prayer. St. Stylianos, the patron saint of children, is regularly mentioned in Christian tradition as a balm for the difficult time of parenting...\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Encourage them to seek support<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> - either through psychological help, or by joining support groups or forums for parents of premature babies. Don't forget to remind them that <\/span><b>they are not alone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">- there are people and structures that understand and can help substantially.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":4151,"template":"","tags":[133,134],"class_list":{"0":"post-4147","1":"arthra","2":"type-arthra","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"tag-vrefiki-anaptyxi","7":"tag-kinitiki-anaptyxi"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/arthra\/4147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/arthra"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/arthra"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4151"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eidikokentropaidiou.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}