Breadcrumb
- Home
- Pregnancy & Parenting
- Parenting Babies (0-12 Months)
- Newborns
- Premature (Preterm) Infant
Content Map Terms
Pregnancy & Parenting Categories
-
Planning Your Pregnancy
-
Fertility
- Ovulation and Fertility Pregnancy Planning
- Ovulation and Transport of Egg
- Find Your Ovulation Day
- Infertility: Problems With Ovulation
- Ovulation
- Superovulation
- Interactive Tool: When are you most fertile?
- Infertility
- Infertility: Emotional and Social Support
- Pregnancy after Age 35
- Infertility: Ethical and Legal Concerns
- Infertility: Factors That Affect Treatment Success
- Infertility: Setting Limits on Testing
- Infertility: Problems With the Man's Reproductive System
- Infertility: Problems With Fallopian Tubes
- Infertility: Problems With the Uterus and Cervix
- Cancer Treatment and Infertility
- Fertility Problems: Should I Be Tested?
- Infertility Tests
- Fertility Drugs
- Infertility
- Fertility Problems: Should I Have a Tubal Procedure or In Vitro Fertilization?
- Insemination for Infertility
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection for Infertility
- Infertility Treatment for Women With PCOS
- In Vitro Fertilization for Infertility
- Infertility: Setting Limits on Treatment
- Infertility: Questions to Ask About Medicine or Hormone Treatment
- Infertility: Questions to Ask About Assisted Reproductive Technology
- Infertility: Should I Have Treatment?
- Insemination Procedures for Infertility
- Gamete and Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer for Infertility
- Varicocele Repair for Infertility
- Fallopian Tube Procedures for Infertility
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
- Luteinizing Hormone
- Progesterone
- Sperm Penetration Tests
- Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting
- Your Health When Planning to Become Pregnant
- Video About Planning a Pregnancy
- Ending a Pregnancy
- Adoption
- Planning for Maternity and Parental Leave
-
Fertility
-
Pregnancy
- Healthcare Providers During Pregnancy
-
Your Health During Pregnancy
- Dental Care During Pregnancy
- Immunizations and Pregnancy
- Quick Tips: Healthy Pregnancy Habits
- Massage Therapy during Pregnancy
- Sex During Pregnancy
- Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
- Medicines During Pregnancy
- Swelling During Pregnancy
- Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring
- Getting Help for Perinatal Depression
- Depression: Should I Take Antidepressants While I'm Pregnant?
- Pregnancy: Dealing With Morning Sickness
- Back Pain During Pregnancy
- Bedrest for Preterm Labour
- Abnormal Pap Test While Pregnant
- Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy
- Acupressure for Morning Sickness
- Automated Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Pregnancy After Weight-Loss (Bariatric) Surgery
- Braxton Hicks Contractions
- Caffeine During Pregnancy
- Exercise During Pregnancy
- Fatigue During Pregnancy
- Fever During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Pregnancy: Changes in Bowel Habits
- Pregnancy: Healthy Weight Gain
- Pregnancy: Hemorrhoids and Constipation
- Pregnancy: Hot Tub and Sauna Use
- Pregnancy: Pelvic and Hip Pain
- Pregnancy: Ways to Find Your Due Date
- Estrogens
- External Cephalic Version (Version) for Breech Position
- Symptoms of Pregnancy
- Sexually Transmitted Infections During Pregnancy
- Pre-Eclampsia: Checkups and Monitoring
- Pre-Eclampsia: Expectant Management
- Gestational Diabetes
- Insulin Injection Areas for Gestational Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes: Checking Your Blood Sugar
- Gestational Diabetes: Counting Carbs
- Gestational Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar
- Gestational Diabetes: Giving Yourself Insulin Shots
- Ginger for Morning Sickness
- Heartburn During Pregnancy
- Nausea or Vomiting During Pregnancy
- Urinary Problems During Pregnancy
- Health Conditions and Pregnancy
-
Body Changes During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Varicose Veins
- Pregnancy: Hand Changes
- Sleep Problems During Pregnancy
- Managing Emotional Changes During Pregnancy
- Breast Changes During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Hair Changes
- Pregnancy: Belly, Pelvic and Back Pain
- Pregnancy: Stretch Marks, Itching, and Skin Changes
- Pregnancy: Changes in Feet and Ankles
- Pregnancy: Vaginal Discharge and Leaking Fluid
- Interactive Tool: From Embryo to Baby in 9 Months
-
Your First Trimester
- Check-ups and Tests In the First Trimester
- Embryo and Fetal Development In the First Trimester
- Your First Trimester - Video
- Mothers' Physical Changes in the First Trimester
- Normal Pregnancy: First Trimester
- Week 8 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 8 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 12 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 12 weeks of pregnancy
-
Your Second Trimester
- Mothers' Physical Changes During the Second Trimester
- Check-ups and Tests in the Second Trimester
- Video About Your Second Trimester
- Normal Pregnancy: Second Trimester
- Week 16 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside /
- Fetal development at 16 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 20 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 20 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 24 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside /
- Fetal development at 24 weeks of pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Kick Counts
-
Your Third Trimester
- Check-ups and Tests in the Third Trimester
- Fetal Development in the Third Trimester
- Mothers' Physical Changes in the Third Trimester
- Prenatal Classes in the Third Trimester
- Video about Your Third Trimester
- Writing Your Birth Plan or Wishes
- Normal Pregnancy: Third Trimester
- Week 28 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 28 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 32 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 32 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 36 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 36 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 40 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 40 weeks of pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Dropping (Lightening)
-
Risks and Complications During Pregnancy
- High-risk Pregnancy
- Rh Sensitization during Pregnancy
- Post-Term Pregnancy
- Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
- Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion for Rh Disease
- Miscarriage
- Abruptio Placenta
- Anemia During Pregnancy
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Pregnancy /
- Asthma During Pregnancy
- Bedrest in Pregnancy
- Eclampsia (Seizures) and Pre-Eclampsia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Functional Ovarian Cysts /
- High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
- Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling for PCOS
- Low Amniotic Fluid
- Low-Lying Placenta Versus Placenta Previa
- Miscarriage: Should I Have Treatment to Complete a Miscarriage?
- Molar Pregnancy
- Passing Tissue During Pregnancy
- Placenta Previa
- Polyhydramnios
- Pre-Eclampsia
- Special Health Concerns During Pregnancy
- Subchorionic Hemorrhage
- Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy
- Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy
- Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
- Emotional Health and Support During Pregnancy
- Safety During Pregnancy
- Alcohol and Other Drug Use During Pregnancy
- Twins and Other Multiples
- Preparing for Your Newborn
- Interactive Tool: What Is Your Due Date?
-
Labour and Birth
- Labour and Delivery
-
Planning Your Delivery
- Childbirth Classes
- Childbirth: Labouring in Water and Water Delivery /
- Childbirth: Perineal Massage Before Labour
- Choosing Where to Give Birth Hospital or Home
- Doulas and Support During Childbirth
- Making a Birth Plan
- Packing for Birth at a Hospital
- Pregnancy: Deciding Where to Deliver
- Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)
-
Stages of Labour
- Cervical Cerclage to Prevent Preterm Delivery
- First Stage of Labour - Early Phase
- First Stage of Labour Active Phase
- First Stage of Labour Transition Phase
- Information on Fourth Stage of Labour
- Information on Second Stage of Labour
- Information on Third Stage of Labour
- Preterm Labour and Short Cervix
- Preterm Labour
- Preterm Labour: Testing for Fetal Fibronectin
- Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes (pPROM)
- Telling Pre-Labour and True Labour Part
-
During Labour
- Breathing Techniques for Childbirth
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Effacement and Dilatation
- Cervical Insufficiency
- Childbirth: Epidurals
- Childbirth: Opioid Pain Medicines
- Childbirth: Pudendal and Paracervical Blocks
- Childbirth: Strep Infections During Delivery
- Comfort Positions Labour and Birth
- Epidural Anesthesia
- Epidural and Spinal Anesthesia
- Episiotomy and Perineal Tears
- Epistiotomy Vacuum and Forceps During Labour and Birth
- Fetal Monitoring During Labour HY
- Labour Induction and Augmentation
- Local Anesthesia for Childbirth
- Pain Relief Options Labour and Birth
- Postpartum Bleeding
- Postpartum: First 6 Weeks After Childbirth
- Postural Management for Breech Position
- Practicing Breathing Techniques for Labour
- Spinal Block for Childbirth
- Stillbirth
- VBAC: Labour Induction
- VBAC: Participation During Birth
- VBAC: Uterine Scar Rupture
-
After Labour and Care for New Moms
- After Childbirth: Coping and Adjusting
- After Childbirth: Pelvic Bone Problems
- After Childbirth: Urination and Bowel Problems
- Childbirth Afterpains
- Help with Urination After Giving Birth
- Managing Bowel Movements After Pregnancy
- Mom and Baby Staying Together
- New Moms and Abuse
- Postpartum Depression
- Problems After Delivery of Your Baby
- Vaginal Care After Giving Birth
- Video About Labour and Birth
-
Parenting Babies (0-12 months)
-
New Parents
- Alcohol and Smoking After Pregnancy
- Baby Blues
- Baby's Daily Needs: What to Expect
- Bonding With Your Baby
- Coping Strategies to Avoid Harming a Baby
- Coping When Your Baby Cries A Lot
- Crying: Tired or Overstimulated
- Depression: Managing Postpartum Depression
- Fitness: Staying Active When You Have Young Children
- Infant Crying
- Parenting With Your Partner
- Quick Tips: Babyproofing Your Home
- Sex After Childbirth
- Support Teams for New Parents
- Taking Care of Yourself When Your Baby Is Fussy
- Tips for Soothing Babies
- Ways to Comfort a Crying Baby
- Your Body After Pregnancy
-
Newborns
- Bathing and Skin Care For Newborn Babies
- Bonding With Your Newborn
- Cognitive Growth in Newborns
- Drug Withdrawal in Newborns
- Early Days with Your Baby
- Early Disease Screening of Newborns
- First 6-8 Weeks at Home with Baby - Video
- Group B Streptococcal Infections in Newborns
- Helping Your Newborn Learn
- Immunizations for Premature Infants
- Important Paperwork for Newborns
- Jaundice in Newborns (Hyperbilirubinemia)
- Language Development in Newborns
- NICU: Communicating With the Staff
- Newborn Blood Spot Card Screening
- Newborn Rashes and Skin Conditions
- Physical Growth in Newborns
- Premature (Preterm) Infant
- Premature Infant: Safe Travel With Your Baby
- Sensory and Motor Growth in Newborns
- Tips for Diapering a Newborn Baby
- Umbilical Cord Care
- Ways to Comfort a Baby in the Hospital
- What to Expect When You Have an Extremely Premature Infant
-
Baby Care
- Birthmarks
- Biting
- Caring for More Than One Baby
- Caring for a Baby's Nails
- Circumcision
- Circumcision: Should I Keep My Son's Penis Natural?
- Cleaning Your Young Child's Natural (Uncircumcised) Penis
- Cleft Lip
- Cleft Palate
- Club Foot
- Common Types of Birthmarks
- Diaper Rash
- Infant Massage
- Oral Care For Your Baby
- Positional Plagiocephaly
- Quick Tips: Getting Baby to Sleep
- Screening for Hearing Problems
- Separation Protests: Helping Your Child
- Thumb-Sucking Versus Pacifier Use
- Tongue-Tie
- Using Soothers and Stopping When it is Time
-
Breastfeeding
- A Video on Breastfeeding Positions
- A Video on Breastfeeding and Skin-to-Skin Contact
- A Video on Hand Expressing Breastmilk
- Breast Engorgement
- Breast Surgery and Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding After Breast Surgery
- Breastfeeding After a C-Section
- Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding Multiple Infants
- Breastfeeding Positions
- Breastfeeding With Inverted Nipples
- Breastfeeding Your Newborn and an Older Child
- Breastfeeding a Sick Baby
- Breastfeeding and Your Milk Supply
- Breastfeeding at Work
- Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding: Baby's Poor Weight Gain
- Breastfeeding: Planning Ahead
- Breastfeeding: Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs
- Breastfeeding: Waking Your Baby
- Breastfeeding: When Baby Doesn't Want to Stop
- Common Breastfeeding Concerns
- Common Breastfeeding Positions
- Coping With Thrush When You’re Breastfeeding
- Experiencing Let-Down Reflex
- FAQs About Breastfeeding
- Get Started on Expressing Breastmilk
- Getting Comfortable Breastfeeding in Public
- Hospital Policies and Breastfeeding
- Latching Your Baby - Video
- Learning Basics of Breastfeeding
- Learning to Latch
- Mastitis While Breastfeeding
- Medications and Herbal Products for Breastfeeding Moms
- Medicine Use While Breastfeeding
- Milk Oversupply
- Nipple Shields for Breastfeeding Problems
- Oxytocin
- Partner Support for Breastfeeding
- Plugged Milk Ducts When You're Breastfeeding
- Poor Let-Down While Breastfeeding
- Preventing Mastitis
- Pumping Breast Milk
- Quick Tips: Successful Breastfeeding
- Signs That Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk
- Sleep, Rest, and Breastfeeding
- Storing Breast Milk
- Storing and Using Breastmilk
- Under or Over Production of Milk During Breastfeeding
- Vitamin D Supplements for Breastfeeding Babies
- What you need to Know About Supplementing Baby Formula
- Your Milk Supply
-
Feeding Your Baby
- Alternative Feeding Methods for Newborns
- Baby Feeding Cues - Video
- Bottle-Feeding: When Baby Doesn't Want to Stop
- Burping a Baby
- Choosing Baby Bottles and Nipples
- Cleft Palate: Feeding Your Baby
- Combining Breastfeeding and Formula-Feeding
- Cup-Feeding Baby With Breast Milk or Formula
- Feeding Schedule for Babies
- Feeding Your Child Using Division of Responsibility
- Feeding Your Infant
- Feeding Your Premature Infant
- Getting Started and Feeding Cues
- How Often and How Long to Feed
- Introducing Solid Foods to Your Baby
- Learn More Before You Supplement Formula
- Safe Drinking Water - Your Baby's First Year
- Safe Water for Mixing Infant Formula
- Signs of a Good Feed
- Spitting Up
- Weaning
-
Baby Health
- Abdominal Gas and Colic
- Basic Dental Care From Birth to 16 Years
- Bowel Movements in Babies
- Cataracts in Children
- Chronic Lung Disease in Infants
- Colic Diary
- Colic
- Colic: Harmful Treatments
- Comforting a Child Who Has a Respiratory Illness
- Common Health Concerns for Babies First Year
- Cough Symptoms in Children
- Cradle Cap
- Croup
- Croup: Managing a Croup Attack
- Crying Child That Is Not Acting Normally
- Dehydration: Drinking Enough Fluids
- Dental Care From Birth to 6 Months
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
- Developmental Problems: Testing
- Failure to Thrive
- Gastroesophageal Reflux in Babies and Children
- Health and Safety, Birth to 2 Years
- Healthy Hearing and Vision For Babies
- Immunization, Your Baby's First Year
- Orchiopexy for Undescended Testicle
- Reducing Biting in Children Ages 8 to 14 Months
- Reducing Biting in Teething Babies
- Teething Products
- Teething: Common Concerns
- Treating Asthma in Babies and Younger Children
- Tongue-tie and tethered oral tissues
-
Baby Growth and Development
- Babies' social and emotional development
- Children's Growth Chart
- Cognitive Development 9-12 mos
- Cognitive Development First 6-9 Mos
- Emotional and Social Growth in Newborns
- Growth and Development Milestones
- Growth and Development, Newborn
- Importance of Tummy Time for Babies' Development
- Speech and Language Milestones, Birth to 1 Year
- Stimulate Your Baby's Learning
- Tooth Development in Children
-
Baby Safety
- Baby's Sleep Position and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Baby Proofing Your Home First Year
- Choking Rescue for Babies
- Safer Sleep for My Baby
- Crib Safety
- Safe Chairs for Baby's First Year
- Safer Sleeping
- Safety at Home for Baby's First Year
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Sun Safety Babies for their First Year
-
New Parents
-
Parenting Toddlers (12-36 months)
- Mealtime and Your Toddler
-
Caring for Your Toddler
- Acetaminophen Use in Young Children
- Breath-Holding Spells
- Breath-Holding Spells: Keeping a Record
- Brushing and Flossing a Child's Teeth
- Care for Toddlers' Colds and Coughs
- Crying, Age 3 and Younger
- Dental Care and Teething in Toddlers
- Egocentric and Magical Thinking
- Hearing Health for Toddlers
- Ibuprofen Use in Young Children
- Managing Your Toddler's Frustrating Behaviours
- Positive Parenting
- Preparing Your Toddler for Health Care Visits
- Preventing Breath-Holding Spells in Children
- Promoting Positive Behaviour in Your Toddler
-
Toddler Growth and Development
- Cognitive Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Emotional and Social Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
- Emotional and Social Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
- Growth and Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Growth and Development, Ages 2 to 5 Years
- Language Development 12-18 Months
- Language Development 18-24 Months
- Language Development 24-30 Months
- Milestones for 2-Year-Olds
- Milestones for 3-Year-Olds
- Physical Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
- Physical Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Sensory and Motor Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
- Sensory and Motor Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Speech and Language Development: Helping Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
- Speech and Language Milestones, Ages 1 to 3 Years
- Toddler Play Activities
- Toddlers Language Development 30-36 Months
- Toddlers Physical Development 18-24 Months
- Toddlers Physical Development 24-30 Months
- Toddlers Physical Development 30-36 Months
- Toddlers Social and Emotional Development 12-18 Months
- Toddlers Social and Emotional Development 18-24 months
- Toddlers Social and Emotional Development 30-36 Months
- Toddlers social and Emotional Development 24-30 months
- Toilet Training
- Toilet Training: Knowing When Your Child Is Ready
- Understanding your Toddlers Development
- Toddler Safety
- Toddler Sleep
-
Parenting Preschoolers (3-5 years)
-
Caring for Your Preschooler
- Daytime Accidental Wetting
- Dental Care: 3 Years to 6 Years
- Health and Safety, Ages 2 to 5 Years
- Preschoolers: Building Self-Control
- Preschoolers: Building Social Skills
- Preschoolers: Building a Sense of Security
- Preschoolers: Encouraging Independence
- Preschoolers: Helping Your Child Explore
- Preventing Tooth Decay in Young Children
- Temper Tantrums
- Temper Tantrums: Keeping a Record
- Thumb-Sucking: Helping Your Child Stop
- Your Child and the Dentist
- Good Sleep Habits: 10 Tips
-
Preschooler Growth and Development
- Emotional Development, Ages 2 to 5 Years
- Encouraging Language Development in Your Preschooler
- How Reading Helps Language Development
- How to Teach Your Child by Example
- Milestones for 4-Year-Olds
- Milestones for 5-Year-Olds
- Speech Problems: Normal Disfluency
- Speech and Language Delays: Common Misconceptions 49
- Speech and Language Development
- Speech and Language Development: Red Flags
- Speech and Language Milestones, Ages 3 to 5 Years
- Stuttering
- Thumb-Sucking
-
Caring for Your Preschooler
-
Parenting School-Age Children (6-11 years)
-
Caring for Your School-Age Child
- Bedwetting
- Building Kids Resilience
- Childhood Fears and Exposure to Violence
- Conversations that Teach Children Resilience
- Establishing Limits With Your School-Age Child
- Help Your School-Age Child Develop Social Skills
- Helping Your School-Age Child Learn About the Body
- Quick Tips: Using Backpacks Safely
- Sample School Plan
- Self-Esteem, Ages 6 to 10
- Back to School
- School-Age Children Growth and Development 6-11
-
Caring for Your School-Age Child
-
Parenting Teens (12-18 years)
-
Teen Growth and Development
- Adolescent Sensory and Motor Development
- Cognitive Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
- Emotional and Social Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years
- Emotional and Social Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
- Growth and Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years
- Growth and Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
- Menarche
- Menstruation: Not Having a Period by Age 15
- Milestones for Ages 11 to 14
- Milestones for Ages 15 to 18
- Physical Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years /
- Physical Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
- Puberty Issues
- Teenage Sleep Patterns
-
Caring for Your Teen
- Conversations that Teach Resilience
- Help Your Working Teen Balance Responsibilities and Set Priorities
- Helping Adolescents Develop More Mature Ways of Thinking
- Helping Your Child Transition Into Middle School or Junior High
- Helping Your Teen Become a Safe Driver
- How to Get Back on Track After Conflict with Teenagers
- How to Start a Conversation with Teens About Alcohol
- Medical Checkups for Adolescents
- Talking to Your Adolescent or Teen About Problems
- Teen Relationship Abuse
- Teen Substance Use: Making a Contract With Your Teen
- Teenage Substance Use: Choosing a Treatment Program
- Teenage Tobacco Use
- Teens With Diabetes: Issues for Parents
- Tips for Parents of Teens
- Your Teen's Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
-
Teen Growth and Development
-
Keeping Your Child Safe
- Child Safety: Preventing Burns
- Child Safety: Preventing Drowning
- Child Safety: Preventing Child Abduction
- Child Safety: Fires
- Protecting Your Child From Infections
- Child Safety: Pets
- Child Safety: Preventing Falls
- Child Safety: Streets and Motor Vehicles
- Child Safety: Washing Toys to Prevent Germs
- Preventing Choking in Small Children
- Preventing Children's Injuries From Sports and Other Activities
- Quick Tips: Helping Your Child Stay Safe and Healthy
- Child Safety: Air Pollution
- Child Safety: Bathing
- Child Safety: Bicycles and Tricycles
- Child Safety: Drowning Prevention in Pools and Hot Tubs
- Child Safety: Guns and Firearms
- Child Safety: Strollers and Shopping Carts
- Head Injuries in Children: Problems to Watch For
- Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger
- Object Stuck in a Child's Airway
- Playground Safety
- Preventing Choking
- Quick Tips: Safely Giving Over-the-Counter Medicines to Children
- Preventing Poisoning in Young Children
- Staying Healthy Around Animals
- Thinking About Child Safety
- Abuse and Neglect
- Rule of Nines for Babies and Young Children
- Bullying and Online Safety
-
Relationships and Emotional Health
- Helping Your Child Build Inner Strength
- Helping Your Child Build a Healthy Body Image
- Symptoms of Depression in Children
- Active Listening
- Aggression in Youth
- Appreciating Your Child's Personality
- Family Life Cycle
- Family Meetings
- Recognizing and Developing Your Children's Special Talents
- Sibling Rivalry: Reducing Conflict and Jealousy
- Violent Behaviour in Children and Teens
- Growth and Development: Helping Your Child Build Self-Esteem
- Effective Parenting: Discipline
- Corporal Punishment
- Talking With Your Child About Sex
- Helping Kids Handle Peer Pressure
- Substance Use Problems: How to Help Your Teen
- Helping Your Child Avoid Tobacco, Drugs, and Alcohol
- Stress in Children and Teenagers
- Stress Management: Helping Your Child With Stress
- Family Therapy for Depression in Children
- Comparing Symptoms of Normal Moodiness With Depression in Children
- Conditions With Symptoms Similar to Depression in Children and Teens
- Warning Signs of Suicide in Children and Teens
- Taking Care of Yourself When You Have a Child With Physical, Emotional, or Behavioural Problems
- Taking Care of Yourself When Your Child Is Sick
- Grief: Helping Children With Grief
- Grief: Helping Children Understand
- Grief: Helping Teens With Grief
- ADHD: Taking Care of Yourself When Your Child Has ADHD
- Baby's Best Chance
- Toddler's First Steps
-
Birth Control
- Birth Control for Teens
- Birth Control Hormones: The Pill
- Birth Control Hormones: The Shot
- Birth Control Hormones: The Mini-Pill
- Birth Control Hormones: The Patch
- Birth Control Hormones: The Ring
- Breastfeeding as Birth Control
- Birth Control: How to Use a Diaphragm
- Birth Control
- Birth Control: Myths About Sex and Pregnancy
- What to Do About Missed or Skipped Birth Control Pills
- Birth Control Pills: Missed or Skipped Periods
- How Birth Control Methods Prevent Pregnancy
- How to Take Birth Control Pills
- Birth Control: How to Use the Patch
- Birth Control: How to Use the Ring
- Hormonal Birth Control: Risk of Blood Clots
- Effectiveness Rate of Birth Control Methods
- Birth Control
- Diaphragm for Birth Control
- Spermicide for Birth Control
- Contraceptive Sponge for Birth Control
- Cervical Cap for Birth Control
- Birth Control: Pros and Cons of Hormonal Methods
- Intrauterine Device (IUD) for Birth Control
- Personal Stories About Choosing Birth Control Methods
- Hormonal Methods of Birth Control
- Barrier Methods of Birth Control
- Tubal Implants for Permanent Birth Control
- Birth Control Patch
- How Pregnancy (Conception) Occurs
- Getting Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control
- Male Condoms
- Emergency Contraception
Topic Contents
- Overview
- Health Tools
- Delivery of Your Preterm Infant
- Taking Care of Yourself
- Health Problems in Preterm Newborns
- Treatments a Preterm Infant May Need
- Getting to Know the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Taking Your Baby Home
- The First Weeks at Home
- Looking Ahead to the Childhood Years
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Overview
What is premature (preterm) birth?
Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks. When delivery occurs between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, it's called a preterm birth. A baby born early is called preterm (or premature). Preterm babies are sometimes called "preemies."
Why is preterm birth a problem?
When babies are born too early, their major organs aren't fully formed. As a result, preterm infants may not be able to eat, breathe, or stay warm on their own. They may also have jaundice, infection, or anemia.
What causes preterm birth?
Preterm birth can be caused by a problem with the fetus, the mother, or both. The most common causes include problems with the placenta, uterus, or cervix; pregnancy with twins or more; infection; or drug or alcohol use during pregnancy. Often the cause is never known.
What kind of treatments might a preterm infant need?
Some preterm babies may need care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they can be watched closely for infections and changes in breathing and heart rate and be kept warm. They may be fed through a vein or a tube in their nose. Sick and very premature infants may need other treatments.
Does preterm birth cause long-term problems?
Most preterm babies don't develop serious long-term problems. But the earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of later problems such as cerebral palsy or intellectual disability.
- Most babies who are born between 32 and 37 weeks of pregnancy do well after birth. If a baby does well after birth, the risk of long-term problems is low.
- Babies who are born before 26 weeks or who are very small—1000 g (2.2 lb) or less—are the most likely to have long-term disability.
Work with your doctor to closely watch your baby's development and to try to catch any problems early on.
What can you expect when you take your baby home?
Your baby may be asleep or awake for shorter periods of time than you expect.
- Preterm babies sleep more than full-term infants do but for shorter periods of time.
- They are seldom awake for more than brief periods until about 2 months after their due date, so it may seem like a long time before your infant responds to your presence.
Your baby may be easily disturbed by too much light, sound, touch, or movement. If so, create a more calming environment, and hold him or her as much as possible.
Your baby probably will come home with a feeding schedule. To avoid dehydration, never go longer than 4 hours between feedings. Small feedings may help reduce spitting up.
Your baby's doctor may recommend adding iron, vitamins, or supplemental formula to a breastfed diet. Preterm babies lack the iron stores that full-term infants have at birth.
Health Tools
Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.
Delivery of Your Preterm Infant
During preterm labour
A preterm birth may happen suddenly or after days or weeks of waiting. If you know you may deliver early, you can be better prepared.
During preterm labour, both you and your baby are considered high-risk. This means that you will have less freedom to move about and fewer choices about the birth.
- Monitoring.
-
- You'll be on constant fetal heart monitoring. The monitor will limit your movement, but it's a good way for the doctor to learn how well your baby is doing.
- You'll also be checked regularly for changes in your heart rate, body temperature, and uterine contractions.
- Medicines.
-
You can refuse pain medicine during preterm labour. But medicines such as antibiotics or corticosteroids can be important to ensure your infant's chances of good health after birth.
- Delivery.
-
You'll probably deliver vaginally. But if your health or your baby's health is at risk, you may need a caesarean section (C-section).
After your baby is born
After delivery, the neonatal staff will watch over and stabilize your preterm infant. If your baby's gestational age is less than 36 weeks, your baby may be moved to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for specialized care. The obstetric staff will care for you. This will take at least a few hours.
Learn more
Taking Care of Yourself
If your preterm baby is in the hospital, you may become overwhelmed with new emotions and information. You and your loved ones may handle issues and feelings differently, and it may create a strain on your relationships. These tips may help during this time.
- Make time for yourself.
Try to be sure you get enough rest, food, exercise, and fresh air and sunlight.
- Get as much help as you can.
Arrange for and accept help from friends and family.
- Manage your emotions.
It can help to talk with a supportive friend, a spiritual advisor, a counsellor, or a social worker. It may also help to keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings.
- Join a support group.
If your hospital has a support group for NICU parents, try it out. Sometimes the best support comes from people who are going through the same issues that you are.
- Be alert for changes in your mental health.
- Watch for signs of stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression. Seek help if you have symptoms.
- Get help right away if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else.
Learn more
Health Problems in Preterm Newborns
When babies are born too early, their major organs aren't fully formed. This can cause health problems that require treatment in the hospital. Preterm infants may:
- Have immature lungs so they can't breathe on their own.
- Stop breathing from time to time (apnea of prematurity).
- Not be able to stay warm on their own.
- Not be able to feed by mouth.
Many preterm babies also have jaundice, infection, or anemia.
Learn more
Treatments a Preterm Infant May Need
Most infants born at 36 and 37 weeks' gestation are mature enough to go home from the hospital. But babies born earlier may need care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they can be:
- Watched closely for infections and changes in breathing and heart rate.
- Kept warm in enclosed cribs called isolettes until they can maintain their body heat.
- Fed through a vein (intravenously) or through a tube in their nose, if needed. Tube-feeding continues until a baby is able to breathe, suck, and swallow and can take all feedings by breast or bottle.
Sick and very premature infants may need other treatments, depending on what problems they have. A baby who needs help breathing may have an oxygen tube or a machine, called a ventilator, that moves air in and out of the lungs. Some babies may need medicine or surgery.
Learn more
Getting to Know the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is the part of the hospital where premature or sick newborns get care.
It can be scary to see your baby in a room filled with unfamiliar machines. Some of them are noisy. But all of them help the doctor and the NICU staff take good care of your baby.
Some equipment protects and keeps your baby comfortable.
- The incubator, or isolette, is a special crib that keeps your baby warm. It also serves as a barrier to drafts and germs.
Other devices help your baby breathe.
- A ventilator is a machine that breathes for your baby while the lungs are growing or healing. It sends oxygen or air into the lungs through a thin tube. The tube is placed in the windpipe through the nose or mouth.
- A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may be used when a ventilator isn't needed. It gently pushes oxygen or air into the lungs through a mask over the baby's nose or mouth. The baby can breathe on their own with this extra help.
- A nasal cannula is a thin tube with two prongs that are placed in the nostrils when the baby just needs more oxygen. The oxygen goes through the openings in the prongs and into the baby's nostrils. Oxygen may also be given through a clear plastic hood that rests over the baby's head.
Doctors use special tools to give your baby medicine, fluids, and food.
- A medicine pump is a machine that delivers exactly the right amounts of medicines at the right times through an IV site, central line, or umbilical venous catheter.
- An intravenous (IV) site gives access to a vein. It may be placed in the back of the hand, foot, arm, leg, or scalp. One end of a tube is attached to the site. The other end may be attached to a medicine pump. It can also be used to take samples of blood for testing.
- A central vascular access device (CVAD), or central line, is a long, thin tube that can be placed in the neck, chest, or arm. It is threaded through a vein until it reaches a larger vein near the heart. It can stay in place longer than an IV and can deliver fluids or medicines quickly if needed.
- An umbilical venous catheter is a thin, flexible tube. It's inserted into a blood vessel in the belly button (umbilicus). The tube may be attached to a medicine pump.
Other devices help the NICU staff keep track of your baby's condition.
- An inflatable cuff on the arm or leg takes the baby's blood pressure. Then it sends that data to the blood pressure monitor.
- A temperature probe attached to the baby's skin keeps track of your baby's temperature. It can be used to adjust the heat in the isolette or an overhead heater.
- The heart monitor has a sensor attached to the chest. It tracks breathing and heart rate.
- A pulse oximeter clips on to the baby's hand or foot. It measures how much oxygen is in the blood.
You don't have to remember what each piece of equipment does. The NICU staff will answer your questions and tell you how these tools are helping your baby.
It's hard to be apart from your baby, especially when you worry about your baby's condition. Know that the hospital staff is well prepared to care for babies with this condition. They will do everything they can to help. If you need it, ask for support from friends and family. You can also ask the hospital staff about counselling and support.
Your role in your infant's care
If your preterm infant is admitted to the NICU, you'll be an important part of your baby's care team. The NICU doctors and nurses will help you learn about new technologies, medical words, and rules and procedures. They'll show you how to work around the NICU equipment. With their support, you can quickly learn about your baby's needs and what you can do to help.
Physical contact
At first, you may question whether and even how to touch your tiny newborn. Unless your baby is very sick or immature, you'll be allowed to touch and maybe hold your baby.
When you visit your baby in the NICU, remember that:
- A preterm infant has limited energy for recovering and growing. Try not to wake your infant from sleep.
- A preterm newborn's brain isn't quite ready for the world. Be alert to signs that your infant is being overstimulated. These include a change in heart rate or a need to turn away from you. This can be triggered by your gaze, voice, or touch, or by sound and light in the room.
- A stable, more mature preterm baby will thrive on periods of cuddling (kangaroo care), infant massage, and calming music.
Breast milk
A mother can boost her baby's immune system by providing breast milk. Using pumped breast milk for tube-feeding reduces your baby's risk of infection.
Before your breast milk comes in (3 or 4 days after childbirth), you will be asked to decide whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby.
- If you choose to breastfeed, expect to pump milk for feedings until your infant is mature enough to feed by mouth.
- You can provide breast milk for tube-feeding even if you don't plan to breastfeed later on.
Your growing role
As your baby gets stronger, you'll be able to take on more caregiving tasks. These range from holding and feeding to changing diapers and bathing. The NICU nurses will teach you and answer your questions.
If you're breastfeeding, you may be asked to spend the night in the hospital to find out if your baby is strong enough to nurse around the clock.
Learn more
Taking Your Baby Home
A preterm baby is considered ready to go home when he or she:
- Is able to take all feedings by nipple and keep gaining weight.
- Can maintain body heat in an open infant bed.
- Breathes well. (An infant whose lungs have suffered damage may be sent home with portable oxygen.)
- Has normal breathing and a normal heart rate for a week. (A baby who is otherwise mature enough yet still stops breathing sometimes or has lung disease or other breathing problems may be sent home with a device to monitor breathing.)
Some babies are ready to go home as early as 5 weeks before their due date. Other infants, usually those who have had medical problems, may be sent home later.
Preparing to go home
Here are some important things you can do to get ready for your baby's discharge from the hospital.
- Prepare yourself to care for your baby.
Things to learn include:
- Infant CPR, from a certified instructor.
- How to safely transport your baby in a car.
- How to handle the medicine or medical equipment, if any, that your baby will need at home.
- Basic infant care skills.
- Discuss your concerns.
Share your questions and concerns with the nurses, your baby's doctor, and a discharge planner. A discharge planner can help make sure that your baby will get the right care after leaving the hospital.
- Make follow-up appointments.
Set up an appointment with your baby's doctor for a few days after your infant comes home. Weekly medical checks after discharge are especially important for a preterm infant. They're also reassuring for you.
- Check into home-based services.
If home-based health care and support are available, take advantage of them. These services spare you and your infant the physical and emotional stress of travelling to lots of appointments.
- Get current on your immunizations.
Make sure you're up to date on your vaccines. Ask other people who will be near your baby to be immunized too. It's okay to get routine vaccines while you are breastfeeding. They don't harm your baby.
Learn more
The First Weeks at Home
As you and your preterm baby adjust to being at home, you will gradually establish a routine together. During the first weeks at home, here are some things to keep in mind.
- Sleeping.
-
Preterm infants' brains aren't as fully developed at birth as a full-term newborn's.
- Preterm infants sleep more than full-term infants do but for shorter periods of time. Expect that you may be awakened often at night until 6 months after your due date.
- They are seldom awake for more than brief periods until about 2 months after their due date. It may seem like a long time before your infant responds to your presence.
- Sleeping position.
-
Make sure your baby goes to sleep on their back. This lowers the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is more common among preterm babies than full-term babies.
- Fussiness and sensitivity.
-
It's normal for full-term infants to cry for up to 3 hours a day by 6 weeks after their due date. Most premature infants will do the same and then some.
Your premature infant may be easily disturbed by too much light, sound, touch, or movement or even by too much quiet. If so, gradually create a more calming environment. Hold them as much as you can.
- Feedings.
-
Your baby probably will come home with a hospital feeding schedule, which will tell you how often to nurse or bottle-feed at home.
- To avoid dehydration, never go longer than 4 hours between feedings.
- Small feedings may help reduce spitting up. If you see signs of reflux during or after feedings, such as spitting up a lot, talk to your infant's doctor.
- Nutrition.
-
Your baby's doctor may recommend adding iron, vitamins, or formula to a breastfed diet.
- Adding iron is a common treatment. Preterm infants lack the iron stores that full-term infants have at birth.
- Some preterm babies simply need extra energy and vitamins from formula(along with breast milk) to keep up their growth.
- Disease prevention.
-
Preterm babies get sick more easily than full-term infants. So make sure your baby gets regular checkups and recommended immunizations to protect against serious illness.
- The doctor may also suggest that your baby get injections of RSV antibody in the winter. This may help reduce the risk of problems from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
To help protect your baby:
- Be current on your immunizations. Ask other people who will be near your baby to be immunized too.
- Keep your baby away from sick family members and friends.
- Avoid group child care if your baby is at high risk for infection. This is most important in the fall and winter when viral illnesses tend to spread.
- Don't let anyone smoke near your infant.
- Hearing and vision screening.
-
Premature infants are at greater risk of hearing loss. Your baby's hearing will be checked in the hospital. But be alert to new or increased hearing problems during your child's first 5 years of life.
Babies born at or before 31 weeks or weighing less than 1250 g (2.8 lb) are more likely to develop a vision problem called retinopathy of prematurity. Vision screening is recommended for these babies and for those who have serious medical conditions. The first screening is recommended between 4 and 9 weeks after birth.footnote 1
Learn more
Looking Ahead to the Childhood Years
Your infant's 'age'
It can be helpful to understand your preterm baby's corrected age. This is how it's figured.
- Chronological age is measured from the day of birth. Birthdays are celebrations of a child's chronological age.
- Corrected age is your child's chronological age minus the number of weeks or months the child was born early.
For example, if your 1-year-old was born 3 months early, your child's corrected age is 9 months. You can expect your child to look and act like a 9-month-old.
Knowing your child's corrected age may be reassuring as you follow your child's growth and development.
Your infant's development
Your child will reach the same growth and development milestones as other children. During the first 2 years of life, your child may seem to reach these milestones later than full-term children of the same age. But this is because your child was born early. Your child will catch up around age 2.
When your child starts school, be alert for signs of learning problems. Problems with learning, reading, and math due to preterm birth may first show up during the early school years.
Learn more
Related Information
- Breastfeeding
- Chronic Lung Disease in Infants
- Crying, Age 3 and Younger
- Dealing With Emergencies
- Growth and Development, Newborn
- Hospital Discharge Planning
- Jaundice in Newborns (Hyperbilirubinemia)
- Medical Specialists
- Music Therapy
- Preterm Labour
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Support Groups and Social Support
References
Citations
- Jefferies AL (2016). Retinopathy of prematurity: An update on screening and management. Paediatrics and Child Health, 21(2): 101–104. http://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/retinopathy-of-prematurity-screening. Accessed June 1, 2016.
Credits
Adaptation Date: 9/15/2023
Adapted By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Date: 9/15/2023
Adapted By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.