20 while the baby is in the NICU to detect any bleeding. Heart Premature babies may be born with a heart defect. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), where an opening does not close off on its own, is a common heart defect that can be diagnosed and treated effectively. It’s important to speak to your baby’s cardiologist regarding the situation before deciding on the treatment line. Intestinal Poorly developed intestines make it difficult for preterm babies to digest milk given orally. Although breast milk is better tolerated than formula milk, starting the feeding too early is not recommended. Interestingly, studies have shown that small amounts of mother’s milk, can, in fact, reduce the risk of any complications. That is why mothers are asked to express milk for their babies from the first day they are admitted to the NICU. Liver Most preterm babies develop jaundice during their first week or two, resulting in the yellowing of the baby’s skin. Most of the time this is harmless, a
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