ACTIVITY 1

Prematurity:

1. What is prematurity?
- Prematurity is a term for the broad category of neonates born at less than 37 weeks’
gestation. Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and the most
common reason for antenatal hospitalization.
2. What are the most common causes of prematurity?
- Common cause of preterm birth include multiple pregnancies, infections and chronic
conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure; however, often no cause is
identified.
3. What are the important characteristics of a premature newborn?
- Small baby, often weighing less than 2,500 grams (5lbs. 8oz.)
- Thin, shiny, pink or red skin, able to see veins
- Little body fat
- Little scalp hair, but may have lots of lanugo (soft body hair)
- Weak cry and body tone
- Genitals may be small and undeveloped
4. What are the most common health risks associated with prematurity?
- Intestinal problems, sometimes caused by a disease that affects premature babies called
necrotizing enterocolitis (also called NEC). This disease affects a baby’s intestines. Intestines
help your body break down (digest) food. While most babies with NEC get better, some may
have intestinal problems later in life.
- Infections. These includes pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and meningitis (infection of the
brain).
- Vision problems, like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Children born prematurely are more
likely than children born on time to have vision problems.
- Hearing loss, a common birth defect in premature babies. Children born prematurely are more
likely to have hearing loss than children born on time.
- Dental problems, including delayed tooth growth, changes in tooth color or teeth that grow
crooked or out of place.

Postmaturity:

1. What is a post maturity?

- Post maturity is more likely when a mother has/had one or more previous post-term
pregnancies. Sometimes a mother`s pregnancy due date is miscalculated because she is not sure
of her last menstrual period. A miscalculation may mean the baby is born earlier or later than
expected.
2. What are the most common causes of post maturity?
- It is not known why some pregnancies last longer than others. Porstmaturity is more likely when
a mother has/had one or more previous post-term pregnancies. Sometimes a mother`s
pregnancy due date is miscalculated because she is not sure of her last menstrual period. A
miscalculation may mean the baby is born earlier or later than expected.
3. What are the important characteristics of a postmature Newborn?
- Dry, loose, peeling skin
- Overgrown nails
- Large amount of hair on the head
- Visible creases on palms and soles of feet
- Small amount of fat on the body
- Green, brown, or yellow coloring skin from baby passing stool in the womb
- More alert and “wide-eyed”
4. What are the most common health risks associated with postmaturity?
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