What happened to the first preemies?

Survival of premature infants depends strongly on the intensive care available. For this reason, up until the mid 20th century, only a very small number of prematurely born babies were able to survive. Since the 1970s significant developments in obstetrics and intensive medicine, as well as in neonatology, have led to a constant increase of survival for premature infants. 

A report by the WHO from 2012 (Born Too Soon Report) shows the important role medical care plays for a newborn’s chance at surviving. More than 90% of all extreme premature infants (<28 WOP) survive in industrial nations, while the ratio in many developing countries is approximately 10%. Through medical progress, the range of viability is constantly increasing. Currently, the limit for surviving is at 24 weeks. In individual cases, even babies born in the 22nd week have survived. A longterm study from the McMaster University Canada has recently been published, showing the results from 40 years of monitoring the life and developments of prematurely born individuals. The study’s goal was to distinguish the factual consequences on people who have been born prematurely between 1977 and 1982.

The study has shown that, compared to regularly born children, differences exist which affect the prematurely born people well into their adult lives. For one, premature infants are prone to malfunctions in the lungs and kidneys as well as to cerebral haemorrhages. Within the first few years, the baby’s development is often delayed. Due to the shortened pregnancy, various organs can remain underdeveloped, therefore many premature infants often suffer from impaired vision and auditory defects. The brain development can also be impaired, possibly leading to cognitive deficits as well as defects in motion development.

Extensive psychological and social difficulties are also related to an early birth. For example, prematurely born people live with their parents longer and are commonly single later in life. Their average income is also lower than that of a person who was born through a regular pregnancy period. Furthermore, the affected people are more prone to suffer from psychological diseases such as anxiety disorders or depressions and are more often affected by learning difficulties, attention deficits or hyper activeness. A very strict weight check up is essential for newborns, but even more so for premature infants. Even if it is impossible to prevent all negative consequences of a premature birth from happening, many of them can be reduced by offering adequate therapy and support early on. Regularly weighing and measuring the newborn’s developments is part of the basic check up after birth. These simple parameters can offer valuable insights into the baby’s health status. Precise measurements are especially important within the first few days and weeks.

The seca 376 has been developed to offer precise measurements in weight and size. The device is a comfortable, electronic baby scale that lives up to all requirements for a complete check up. It is easy to use and can carry a maximum of 20 kg. As precision is an important part in newborn and infant care, the scale measures in 5 g increments up to a weight of 7,5 kg. The device’s shell shaped weighing tray has an especially high rim to ensure a safe procedure, and the integrated hold-button freezes the measurement so that the baby can be cared for directly after. Thanks to the device’s integrated seca 360° wireless technology, all data can be directly transmitted to an optional printer or the
seca analytics 115 software on your computer. Precise, reliable scales and measuring systems play an important role in optimal care for newborns and infants. Developmental disorders and delays can be treated effectively if they are recognised early on.

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