Introduction
When a baby is born clearly earlier than expected, it is referred to as a premature birth or a “preterm birth”. Every year, approximately one in ten babies is born prematurely worldwide; in Germany and on the Costa del Sol, too, this figure is on the rise. From a medical point of view, premature births represent a great challenge and, from an emotional point of view, an enormous burden for the families involved.
But what exactly are premature babies, why do premature births occur, how do premature babies develop and what support is available for parents, especially abroad, for example in Marbella? This article provides you with substantiated answers, useful tips and information about medical care both at home and abroad.
What is preterm labor?
From a medical point of view, preterm birth is considered to be when a baby is born before the 37th week of gestation (37 weeks gestation) is completed. Depending on the time of birth, there are three groups of preterm deliveries:
- Late preterm delivery: between 34+0 and 36+6 weeks SG
- Early preterm delivery: between 28+0 and 33+6 weeks SG
- Extremely preterm delivery: before 28+0 weeks SG
Premature newborns often have a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams. Babies weighing less than 1,500 grams are considered “very low birth weight preterm infants”. From the 24th week of gestation onwards, there is now talk of possible viability outside the womb, although this requires intensive medical care. The individual prognosis depends considerably on the degree of maturity and the general condition of the child.
What are premature babies?
“Preterm” is the colloquial designation for infants born before term. Their organs – especially the lungs, brain and intestine – are often not fully developed. Therefore, they not only require immediate medical attention, but also special monitoring and support during their subsequent development.
Causes and risk factors for preterm delivery
The causes of preterm labor are varied and often multifactorial. In approximately 30 to 50 percent of cases, the trigger cannot be clearly identified. Among the most common medical causes are:
- Multiple pregnancies
- Infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis)
- Placental insufficiency
- Shortening of the cervix
- Premature contractions or premature rupture of membranes
- Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (preeclampsia)
Lifestyle can also play a role:
- Chronic stress and psychosocial burdens
- Smoking, alcohol or drug use during pregnancy
- Maternal underweight or overweight
- Age (under 17 or over 35 years old)
Genetic factors and a family predisposition to preterm delivery may also play a role.
How can preterm labor be prevented?
Regular and closely supervised prenatal care is the most important preventive measure. In the presence of known risk factors, additional ultrasound checks, rest periods and, in some cases, hospitalization may be useful to maintain the pregnancy as long as possible.
Medical assistance for premature infants
Premature infants require specialized care immediately after birth. Initial care typically takes place in neonatology, a specialized branch of pediatrics. The clinic must have modern equipment and experienced medical staff.
Neonatal intensive care unit – what is the care like?
The first days are decisive. Premature infants are placed in an incubator, which regulates temperature and humidity. Depending on the degree of maturity, the following measures may be necessary:
- Assisted ventilation or respiratory support
- Heart rate and oxygen saturation monitoring
- Infusion therapies
- Gastric or parenteral tube feeding
The intensive care unit for premature infants works on an interdisciplinary basis: neonatologists, pediatric nurses, physiotherapists and psychologists accompany the child and his or her family.
What to do in case of preterm labor in Marbella?
The Marbella Preterm Birth Clinic has a modern neonatal unit. German-speaking parents find here both medical help as well as cultural and linguistic support during the period after birth. Close coordination with clinics in Germany, Austria and Switzerland is also possible.
Development of premature infants – a long journey
The development of a preterm infant differs significantly from that of a full-term infant. The reference is not the date of birth, but the corrected age, i.e. the expected date of delivery.
What does “preemie week” mean for development?
A child who is born, for example, eight weeks earlier, reaches many milestones later as a result. Therefore, a “normal” development should not be assessed prematurely. The so-called “preterm week” refers to the period up to the 40th week of gestation, even if the baby has already been born.
How does a preemie develop after birth?
During the first year of life, premature infants often go through several critical phases:
- Weight gain and thermal regulation
- Respiratory regulation and lung maturation
- Sensory and motor development
Many preterm infants recover motor and cognitive delays during the first two years of life. Important: patience, targeted stimulation and regular medical check-ups.
Feeding in premature infants
Nutrition plays a central role in growth and development. Premature infants have a particularly high need for energy, proteins, trace elements and vitamins.
Breast milk is considered the gold standard – ideally enriched with additives (so-called “fortifiers”). If this is not possible, a special formula for premature infants is used.
Feeding in immature preterm infants is initially done through a tube. Subsequently, it can be done with a bottle or at the breast. The transition to oral feeding should be done on an individualized basis, with patience and medical support.
Therapy and support for further development
After discharge from the hospital, a new stage begins. Many premature babies still require additional therapeutic measures:
Forms of therapy for premature infants
- Physiotherapy: to promote motor skills
- Occupational therapy: in case of alterations of coordination and perception.
- Speech therapy: for delays in speech development
Regular follow-up check-ups with the pediatric neurologist are essential, as are ongoing weight monitoring and immunizations according to the adjusted schedule.
In Marbella, an interdisciplinary team is at your disposal. Preterm birth care on the Costa del Sol combines a modern medical approach with human support – even over the years.
Long-term consequences and challenges in daily life.
Depending on the degree of maturity at birth and the medical course, preterm infants may have various long-term sequelae:
- Lung problems (e.g., bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
- Disorders
