Infertility and no scope of a normal pregnancy can come out as a piece of bad news to a couple. Like a ray of optimism, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) has opened new doors to technology and advancement in the field of medicine. However, using such reproductive technologies has been often linked to giving birth to premature babies. In this article, Dr. Madhuri Prabhu, Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals Chennai is explaining about taking care of IVF premature babies and how NICU can save their lives.
The link between IVF and Preterm Delivery
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines premature babies or preemies as born before the 37th week of gestation. There are high chances that babies might be born preterm from IVF pregnancy and may require special care after their birth in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or NICU. Without receiving appropriate treatment, the baby is at the risk of dying, and if they survive, they can suffer from lifelong disabilities. However, other risks and benefits of this new technology remain undiscovered.
Also Read: 7 Important Tips For New Parents To Take Care Of A Premature Baby
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Why NICU Is Important For Premature Babies?
NICU becomes the home of these “born too soon” babies who still have underdeveloped parts for a limited period. The unit is equipped with trained specialists, monitoring systems, and respiratory and resuscitation equipment. The baby must be kept in the incubator in a warm and protected environment until they grow mature enough to survive in the natural environment. The period becomes critical as this is the time when a premature baby needs utmost attention.
- Neonatologists must check monitoring and alarm systems from time to time to regulate the body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate of the preemie.
- Proper respiratory assistance must be given through the endotracheal tube placed down the windpipe to deliver oxygen.
- The tube is attached to a respirator which monitors the air pressure and oxygen level.
- For a baby with respiratory distress syndrome or RDS, the staff must follow proper methods of safe oxygen management and monitor SpO2 levels through a pulse oximeter.
- Preterm babies face several risks of infections, such as bacterial sepsis, which increases morbidities.
- The babies can also have jaundice due to their immature liver with poor metabolism.
- Therefore, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment with proper hand-cleansing in the neonatal units is necessary.
How to feed a premature baby?
Unlike a healthy and mature baby, who can be breastfed by the mother directly, preemies might face feeding difficulties and need external assistance. The American Pregnancy Association (APA) highlights several feeding methods such as Intravenous lines or IV, which carry nutrition to the bloodstream, and oral and nasal feeding through a tube for babies who can digest breast milk but cannot suck or swallow.
Also Read: Guide To Mothers For Breastfeeding A Premature Baby
If no wonder can work, a mother can make miracles happen! Kangaroo care, a technique that places the baby in an upright position with the head on the mother’s bare chest, has resulted in significant benefits and improvement in neonatal health. The preemie can listen to the mother’s heartbeat, which makes it feel warm and comforting. Moreover, skin-to-skin contact reduces stress among both the baby and the mother.
Conclusion
Women who choose IVF pregnancy have an 80% higher risk of premature birth. As per a report by Reuters, the causes of premature births with assisted reproductive technologies can have other factors other than the treatment itself. However, it will take a few years to know the actual risks of IVF through thorough research and conducting studies in the field.
After a premature delivery, if your baby stays in NICU, there is no need to panic, as the period of care and support may differ from case to case. Apart from several trained nurses who watch the babies, the mother can also help take care of their preemie. Through rigorous efforts and vital support, there are chances that your premature baby survives after fighting life and death!
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