Premature babies have greater mental problems

Babies born after less than 26 weeks of pregnancy are more susceptible to developing mental and social problems, as they grow up. Premature babies are defined as those who are born between 24 to 37 weeks of gestation. Such babies are more vulnerable than full-term babies and need to be treated with special care. Not only do such babies face problems at the time of birth, but they are also at a greater risk of developing health problems, in the future. Researchers at the University hospital, Umea, Sweden examined 11-year-old children, who were born before 26 completed weeks of gestation, in Sweden, between 1990 and 1992. At 11 years of age, 86 of 89 survivors were studied and compared with an equal number of control subjects, matched with respect to age and gender. These kids were evaluated on the basis of mental, emotional and behavioural problems and social competencies. It was found that children born before 26 weeks of pregnancy have more mental and social problems, at 11 years of age than do their full-term schoolmates. Reports from parents, teachers and the children themselves showed that they had significantly more problems with social behaviour and with depression. Teachers also reported that the children were less well adjusted to the school environment than were full-term children. They were also more likely to have chronic health problems. Thus, premature babies have special health care needs than full-term ones, and may require extra care to prevent mental and social problems.

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