Long-Term Problems for Preemies
By Rochelle Caviness
Most parents are aware that premature babies tend to suffer more health-related problems, after birth, than do full-term babies. Many, however, are not aware that a premature baby may suffer many problems that will affect them their entire lives. These can include long-term health problems, physical disabilities, as well as long-term problems associated with learning and behavioral related difficulties.
Health Problems
Many preemies are born with long-term health problems. It is therefore very important that preemies are taken in for regular check-ups so that their condition can be monitored.
- Preemies are a high risk of developing vision problems such as Retinopthy of Prematurity.
- Preemies are also more likely to suffer from cerebral palsy, mental impairment, dental problems, and hearing loss.
- All these conditions needed to be diagnosed as soon as possible so that your child can be treated, and so that strategies can be formulated to help your child develop as normally as possible.
- Children born prematurely are also more likely to develop health problems such as allergies and asthma, as they grow older.
Behavioral Problems
Children that were born prematurely often develop behavioral problems. Often these behavioral problems are part of a larger problem associated with learning problems that the child might have.
- Behavioral problems are often apparent well before the child reaches school age. Parents should be on the look out for warning signs that the child suffers from a behavioral problem. Possible warning signs can include the child being overly aggressive, unnaturally subdued, excessive moving, tantrums, unreasonable fears, and problems adjusting to change.
- About 1/3 of all children born prematurely will suffer from an attention deficit disorder.
- If behavioral problems are identified early, it may be possible to correct or modify the problem before the child begins school. If the child begins school with an undiagnosed behavioral problem, the condition may be exaggerated by the school environment and associated changes. Behavioral problems can also interfere with the child's ability to concentrate, thereby making learning more difficult.
In School
Premature babies often have problems when they begin school. This is because children born premature are more likely to suffer from learning problems or physical disabilities that can make school difficult, both from the standpoint of learning and socializing with their peers.
- Parents can help their child overcome these difficulties by starting early to stimulate the child's cognitive and physical development.
- Provide your child with extra physical stimuli by massaging their limbs. Also, regularly engage him in play activities that challenge him to use his muscles.
- Begin reading to your child the day he is born, and expose him to classical music. Both of these actives have been shown to stimulate mental development.
- Left untreated, learning and behavioral problems can increase a child's risk of engaging in criminal or other antisocial activities. Because preemies are at a higher risk of having such problems, it is incumbent upon the child's parents, teachers, and doctors, to look for potential 'trouble' signs. Once identified, it often takes a group approach to adequately help the child.
- Seek professional help. Professionals such as doctors and counselors can help you learn techniques that will enable you to help your child reach his fullest potential.
Vulnerable Child Syndrome
As a parent of a preemie, it is understandable that you may feel the need to be overly protective of your child. However, in the long run you may be doing your child more harm, than good. The Vulnerable Child Syndrome develops when parents become so overly protective of their preemie child that they impede his development. This can occur because as the child grows older, they do not allow him to act, play, and develop in a normal manner. This can cause the child to develop a low sense of self-esteem and may make it especially difficult for him to interact with other children.
- It may be hard on you, but you can help prevent your child from becoming a victim of Vulnerable Child Syndrome by simply treating him as you would a normal child.
- Encourage your child to play with other children and try not to shield him from the world.
- Encourage your child to be independent. This will help enable him to grow into a self-confident individual who is capable of meeting any challenges he encounters, whether they are related to their premature birth or simply life in general.
The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only.
Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
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