Born too early too small Flashcards
what is classed as a small baby and why does this occur?
The most common reason why a baby is smaller than average — weighing less than 2.5kg at birth — is prematurity (being born before 37 weeks’ gestation). The earlier the baby is born, the smaller they are likely to be. This is because the baby will have had less time in the womb to grow
what is small for gestational age?
Small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses or newborns are those smaller in size than normal for their gestational age, most commonly defined as a weight below the 10th percentile for the gestational age
what are the causes of small for gestational age (SGA) or small for dates (SFD)?
Maternal
Foetal
Placental
Other
what are maternal causes for small for dates?
smoking - known to cause tailoring of foetal growth, smoking leads to smaller babies
Maternal Pre-Eclamptic Toxemia (PET) - Preeclampsia affects the arteries carrying blood to the placenta. If the placenta doesn’t get enough blood, your baby may receive inadequate blood and oxygen and fewer nutrients. This can lead to slow growth known as fetal growth restriction, low birth weight or preterm birth
what are foetal causes for small for dates?
chromosomal (e.g. Edwards Syndrome - trisomy 18)
infection (e.g. CMV)
what are placental causes for small for dates?
Abruption of placenta
what are other causes for small for dates?
twin pregnancy
Many babies with SGA have a condition called ____________________ (IUGR)
intrauterine growth restriction
Intrauterine growth restriction, or IUGR, is when a baby in the womb (a fetus) does not grow as expected. The baby is not as big as would be expected for the stage of the mother’s pregnancy
whata re some common problems with being small for dates?
Perinatal Hypoxia (lack of oxygen to an unborn child during labor and delivery)
Hypoglycaemia
Hypothermia
Polycythaemia (increased red cell production due to hypoxia)
Thrombocytopenia
Gastrointestinal problems (feeds, NEC)
what are long term problems seen in babies that were bron small?
Hypertension
Reduced growth
Obesity
Ischemic heart disease
what is classed as preterm and what is classed as low weight?
what is the Prematurity incidence
5-12%
Common problems of preterm babies - what system can be affected?
Any system…
Respiratory
Circulation
Metabolic / Nutrition
Immune / Infection
Brain
Gastrointestinal
Haematology
Renal
Skin
- Still havnt developed all the function of the organs
what is respiratory distress syndrome in preterms?
Newborn respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) happens when a baby’s lungs are not fully developed and cannot provide enough oxygen, causing breathing difficulties. It usually affects premature babies
Surfactant deficiency on the lungs
how do you manage repsiraotry distress syndrome?
If thought to be at risk of giving birth before week 34 of pregnancy, treatment for NRDS can begin before birth
You may have a steroid injection before your baby is delivered, second dose is usually given 24 hours after first
The steroids stimulate the development of the baby’s lungs. It’s estimated that the treatment helps prevent NRDS in a third of premature births
treatment after birth - If ,ild symptoms, may only need extra oxygen. It’s usually given through an incubator or tubes into their nose. If symptoms are more severe then baby may be put on vetilator