Of course, preemies are in many ways small versions of the
full term infant. But preemies also are very different from full term infants,
and they live in a world that is very different from that of either the fetus
in the womb or the full-term infant at home. Therefore, it is unfair to think
of the preemie as either a fetus or a mini full-term baby: preemies are unique,
and deserve unique and special treatment.
The preemie of 24 weeks gestational age would normally
expect about 16 more weeks in the womb, where:
oxygen and food are provided by the placenta, thus there is
no need to breathe or digest.
temperature is comfortable and stable.
there is protection from injury.
the effects of gravity are not felt, and the baby moves
easily and stays comfortably curled-up (flexed).
there is constant motion, thus the baby is rocked gently
much of the time.
the baby feels the rhythms of the mother's changing
day-night activity.
the baby's nervous system does not have to respond to lots
of different kinds of things (sights, sounds, touches).
there are no intense lights, sounds and touches, although
the baby does hear his/her mother's rhythmic heart and bowel sounds, can hear
speech, and feels gentle touch from his/her own limbs and the fluid and sides
of the womb.
To read more about understanding preemie babies visit:
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