World Prematurity Day on 17th November is about raising awareness of premature births around the globe. Expecting a baby can be a very exciting time, however if your precious bundle puts in an appearance earlier than planned, the emotional roller coaster ride can be extremely stressful for the whole family.
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| Baby James born at 36 weeks weighing 4lb 6oz |
A baby is classed as premature if it arrives before 37 weeks gestation. In the UK, one in every eight babies is born too soon, either as a result of labour starting early or the delivery being induced.
Survival statistics improve the further progressed the pregnancy is, but from 24 weeks gestation, the baby is considered viable. The smaller the baby, the more care it will generally require immediately after birth. There are just over two hundred neonatal units in the UK offering care for preemies.
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| Baby Liberty born at 36 weeks weighing 3lb 15oz |
Having a baby in neonatal care can be distressing and frightening for parents. Seeing your baby connected to lots of tubes and wires in a neonatal unit and not being able to hold them close, coupled with the worry of whether they will survive can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. It is however important for the hospital to monitor body temperature, organ function and oxygen levels and ensure baby is nourished to maximise survival chances.
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| Baby Eirwyn born at 34 weeks weighing 3lb 2oz |
One of the most important issues when caring for a premature baby is maintaining an appropriate body temperature and most baby clothes; even newborn size, will be too big. As the skin is so fragile, handling of baby must be kept to a minimum and clothing that is too large is simply going to irritate and cause difficulties in an incubator.
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| Baby Lucy born at 26 weeks weighing 2lb 1oz and baby Keane born at 33 weeks weighing 4lb 5oz |
*** WIN ***
To help raise awareness of World Prematurity Day the lovely people at the Early Baby Store have provided a beautiful lounge set to giveaway in size 3-6 months. Made from 100% cotton it is soft on baby's delicate skin and the envelope neckline makes dressing easier. The footed, elasticated trousers keep your little one snug as do the long sleeves as the colder seasons have arrived.
You can select if you would like the set in pink or blue.
This would make an ideal gift for a friends baby this Christmas or to use on your tiny one!
You can enter via the Rafflecopter entry form below before 30th November 2012.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Families with an early baby may find Bliss the Premature Baby Charity a useful resource. It can be contacted at www.bliss.org.uk with a free advice line on 0500 618140
