Does premature birth hypoxia affect intelligence?

Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

Updated on September 13, 2024

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Under normal circumstances, if a preterm infant suffers from hypoxia, severe cases may have an impact on future intelligence. However, if preterm infants experience hypoxia after childbirth, they generally receive oxygen therapy, which also affects their intelligence to some extent. Therefore, in daily life, it is still necessary to strengthen the care of preterm infants, adjust their diet, and after oxygenation, appropriately supplement DHA and other substances that can promote brain development and effectively improve issues such as delayed brain development in infants and toddlers.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie

Obstetrics

49sec

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Is a posterior placenta more likely to lead to premature birth?

The placenta is divided into anterior and posterior walls, with the posterior wall being a normal location for the placenta, which is unrelated [to preterm birth]. Generally, there is a hereditary tendency for preterm birth, and it is more likely to occur in individuals with certain physical constitutions or in cases of twin pregnancies. Additionally, people with gestational diabetes are also prone to preterm birth. Therefore, the posterior wall of the placenta has no correlation with preterm birth. Conditions like placenta previa or premature placental detachment are placental positions that can lead to preterm birth issues, and some people may experience preterm birth under these circumstances.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

59sec

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What are the causes of premature birth?

Preterm birth refers to delivery between 28 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy. Due to the lighter weight and lower maturity of the fetus at this stage, the survival rate of newborns is often reduced. The causes of preterm birth include the following aspects: First, the presence of vaginal inflammation can easily lead to premature rupture of membranes, which in turn triggers contractions and can lead to preterm labor. Second, in twin or multiple pregnancies, the increased irritability of the uterine wall can easily cause spontaneous contractions, which in turn lead to preterm labor. Third, an excess of amniotic fluid can increase the pressure inside the amniotic cavity, easily stimulating spontaneous uterine contractions or premature rupture of membranes. Additionally, if the cervical canal is congenitally short, or if there has been previous cervical surgery, this can also easily lead to preterm labor.

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Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

40sec

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Is premature birth prone to cerebral palsy?

Under normal circumstances, not all preterm infants will develop cerebral palsy. Preterm babies are more susceptible due to their immature organ systems compared to full-term babies. If they face poor adaptation to the environment during or after childbirth, it can increase the likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. However, this does not mean that cerebral palsy will occur in all cases. Furthermore, since the brain development system is not fully mature in preterm infants, conditions such as brain hypoxia may occur, which can affect the brain and contribute to the development of cerebral palsy.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

57sec

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How to prevent preterm birth

The causes of preterm birth are numerous, and prevention mainly involves addressing these causes. For etiological reasons, proactive treatment of some chronic diseases is necessary. For pregnant women with a history of preterm birth, it is crucial to pay close attention two to three weeks before the previous preterm birth date. They should avoid overexertion, abstain from sexual activity, and rest in bed until the expected due date. It is also important to identify the causes of preterm birth, such as cervical insufficiency. If so, a cerclage surgery can be performed around the 14th week of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman shows signs of labor or preterm birth, she should be given oxygen immediately, and an injection of vitamin K should be administered to prevent intracranial hemorrhage in the newborn.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

39sec

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What should I do if a premature baby spits up milk?

For premature babies who experience spitting up, first pay attention to the feeding position. During feeding, make sure to hold the baby up with their head higher than their buttocks, which facilitates the smooth passage of milk through the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, if the baby vomits, first pick the baby up and gently pat their back to help release some of the residual gas in the stomach, which can reduce spitting up and vomiting. Also, during feeding, be mindful not to feed too much at once; feeding small amounts more frequently can also help prevent spitting up.