Does premature birth affect brain development ?

 

It is extremely common for babies to be born early. When babies are born too early, their normal brain development is interrupted, and they are more likely to have problems later on in their lives. Disrupting brain development results in various types of brain injury depending on how early the baby is born. Preterm babies can suffer lifelong effects such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, visual and hearing impairments, and poor health and growth.

Even babies who are born a little bit early can have a brain injury. It is important to understand the differences in brain development between babies who are born at full term compared with those who are born early. Knowledge of these differences allows scientists and doctors to discover new treatments for babies who are born early. It is very important to minimize brain injury so that these babies get off to a good start.

When a baby is born early, the baby leaves the mother’s body and enters the world before they are ready. Not only is the baby’s brain not ready to process information but also the baby’s body is not prepared to handle all of the challenges that come with living outside of the mother. Preterm babies are likely to become sick, which can cause further brain injury. Even though both term and preterm babies can get sick after being born, preterm babies are at a disadvantage, because their body systems and organs are at an earlier stage of development.

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