Supporting Learners with Additional Needs

Question 1

Correctly name all the pre-term birth categories and ages.

Answer 1

• Extremely pre-term = 22-27 weeks
• Very pre-term = less than 31 weeks
• Moderate to late pre-term = 32-36 weeks

Question 2

What are the developmental milestones between 29 and 36 weeks?

Answer 2

• Weeks 29-32 = develops body fat reserves. Brain develops rapidly, foetus can see and hear.
• Week 31= most essential organs have developed, rapid weight gain begins, lungs may still be underdeveloped
• Weeks 33-36 = lungs are close to being fully developed

Question 3

What are the typical consequences of pre-term birth at each category?

Answer 3

• Extremely pre-term = high risk of intellectual impairment, physical disability, over half require special educational support
• Very pre-term = high risk of cognitive deficits, attention, behavioural and emotional problems
• Mod-late pre-term = slightly higher risk of developmental problems

Question 4

What are the global prevalence rates of preterm birth?

Answer 4

• 15 million globally per year (11%)
• 10% of births in the US
• 60,000 in UK per year (7%)

Question 5

What are the survival rates of preterm birth?

Answer 5

• about 16% of all infant deaths linked to premature birth
• 80% chance of survival at 28 weeks

Question 6

Risk factors of preterm birth:

Answer 6

• previous premature births
• being pregnant with multiples
• tobacco and substance use
• short time between pregnancies
• pregnancy complications (forces early delivery)