![]() Babies born at 32–37 weeks are plotted in the preterm chart until 2 weeks after their estimated due date. ![]() If your baby was born before 32 weeks, their growth will be plotted in the low-birthweight chart. This has growth charts to plot your baby's growth and compare it with the average growth for their age. Understanding your baby's growth chartīefore you leave hospital, the healthcare team will give you a Personal Child Health Record, which is also called the 'red book'. The NHS website has more information about the development checks offered to all babies. You should also be offered emotional support to help you and your family cope with the effects of having a premature baby. Specialist services, such as physiotherapy, speech therapy and support from a dietitian are often co-ordinated so you can see more than 1 specialist in a single clinic visit. If your baby needs support or further tests, they may be referred to a specialist. ![]() They will also ask if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s growth or development. For example, whether they are rolling over or sitting up, depending on their age. They may ask you how well your baby is feeding and what they’re doing. If your baby was born before 28 weeks, they will be offered an extra check when they are 4 years old.Īt your clinic appointments, the healthcare team may measure and weigh your baby. This is your baby’s age from your due date, rather than the day they were born.Īfter the age of 2, your child will have the same checks as other children their age. Your baby will be assessed according to their ‘corrected age’. Reaching developmental milestones may take a little longer for premature babies by comparison with babies born at full term. The healthcare team will use your baby’s developmental age to assess their growth and development in the first 2 years. Some premature babies have extra appointments so that any possible problems are picked up early. How will my premature baby’s development be checked?Īll babies have routine clinic appointments to monitor their development. You can speak to your health visitor or GP if you’re worried that your baby isn’t reaching their milestones, such as rolling over or crawling. Babies born with severe complications, such as a brain injury or infection, also have a higher risk. Babies born before 32 weeks are especially at risk because they have had less time to develop in the womb. But there is a higher chance of premature babies developing a long-term illness or disability compared with babies born at full-term. Most premature babies develop as expected and have healthy childhoods. How might premature birth affect my baby’s development? They will weigh your baby and check that you are settling in well together at home. A member of the healthcare team will usually visit you at home within the first few days of leaving the baby unit.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |