NEET PG High-Yield: Preterm Birth
A preterm baby is defined as an infant born before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality globally.
Classifications (by Gestation)
- Extremely preterm: < 28 weeks.
- Very preterm: 28 to < 32 weeks.
- Moderate to late preterm: 32 to < 37 weeks.
Etiological Factors
| Category | Common Causes |
|---|---|
| Maternal | Preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, diabetes, infections (UTI, BV), and uterine anomalies. |
| Fetal | Multiple gestations (twins/triplets), fetal distress, congenital anomalies, and IUGR. |
| Placental | Placenta previa, placental abruption. |
High-Yield NEET PG Pearls:
- Prevention: Administration of Antenatal Corticosteroids (e.g., Dexamethasone/Betamethasone) is crucial to accelerate fetal lung maturity and reduce RDS.
- Complications: Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH), and Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).
- Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC): The gold standard for thermal regulation and breastfeeding support in stable preterm infants.