What are the Long-Term Effects of Premature Birth?
What is Premature Birth?
Premature birth occurs when a baby is born between the 20th and 37th week of pregnancy. Babies born prematurely often have long-term medical complications. The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of health problems and medical issues is. Here’s what you need to know.
How Does Premature Birth Happen?
While it can be challenging to pinpoint the cause of premature birth, some factors can increase the risk. Some of the most common risk factors include:
- Having a previous premature birth
- Carrying multiple fetuses
- Issues involving the placenta (placenta previa)
- Issues involving the uterus
- Having high blood pressure
- Having diabetes
- Being underweight or overweight during pregnancy
- Having a previous miscarriage or abortion
- Infections of the amniotic fluid or lower abdominal tract
- Physical trauma or injury
Symptoms of Premature Labor
Premature birth can be prevented if medical professionals identify a high-risk pregnancy and ensure proper care and treatment to stop premature birth. Some of the symptoms of early labor may include:
- Contractions that are less than 10 minutes apart
- Pain in the lower back
- Cramping in the abdomen or uterus
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
- A decrease in fetal movement
Birth Injuries Related to Premature Birth
Babies who are born prematurely are at risk of developing these long-term complications and birth injuries:
- Asthma or chronic respiratory problems
- Behavioral issues such as attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays and learning disabilities
- Epilepsy
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
- Organ failure
- Brain damage
- Seizure disorders
Did Your Baby Suffer a Birth Injury? We’re Here to Help.
Learning your baby suffered a birth injury due to premature birth that could have been prevented is devastating. When medical professionals are negligent and fail to recognize the warning signs of premature birth, our Philadelphia birth injury attorneys at The Villari Firm, PLLC are here to help you seek justice. Our skilled attorneys work with leading experts, including doctors and other legal professionals, to investigate and prepare our clients’ cases. No expense is spared when it comes to being armed with everything needed to help our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact The Villari Firm, PLLC at 215-372-8889 to schedule a free consultation today.
