Hello, Jhana’s Supporters! It’s your disability advocate and writer, Jhana. I hope you’re all doing well. I am back with another blog article, hoping to publish more regularly. I haven’t decided how often I will do my YouTube videos for Jhana’s Writing Journey, so I will post them randomly for now. Please stay tuned for updates! Now, let's get into today’s blog.
I want to talk about being premature, what it means, and how it affects me.
Understanding Premature Birth: Advocating for Change in Maternal and Infant Health
A full-term pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks. Being born premature means you are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature birth is categorized into three groups:
Extreme preterm (less than 28 weeks)
Very preterm (28 to 32 weeks)
Moderate to late preterm (32 to 37 weeks)
According to the CDC, about 1 in 10 infants in the United States is born prematurely, with 380,000 premature births annually. These babies often spent quite some time in the NICU.
Understanding the effects of prematurity on the individual is crucial for raising awareness. It’s part of advocating for people who are born premature. Those born prematurely will experience complications, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and long-term disabilities.
The Impact of Premature Birth on Infant Health and Development
The impact of premature birth on an infant’s health can be long-lasting. Premature infants often face challenges such as undeveloped organs, difficulties in feeding, and increased susceptibility to infections. This can lead to more hospital stays and medical problems.
The consequences of premature birth can be limited to childhood but also carry through to adulthood. Studies show that preterm children may experience cognitive and behavioral issues, affecting their educational achievements and social interactions. Understanding this allows people to highlight the urgent need for prevention and support strategies.
Maternal Factors Contributing to Premature Birth: A Call for Awareness
Many factors can contribute to the risk of premature birth, including the mother’s age, health conditions, and lifestyle choices. Women younger than 17 or older than 35, as well as those with chronic health issues, such as diabetes or hypertension, are at a higher risk. Additionally, mothers struggling with substance abuse issues or those without enough prenatal care are also more likely to give birth prematurely.
Raising awareness is crucial because these are serious problems, and spreading awareness will help people understand what families with premature children go through. Moreover, educating other women about the importance of prenatal care and healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of prematurity and promote healthy pregnancies, improving newborn outcomes.
Advocacy and Policy Changes Needed for Maternal and Infant Health
To address the issue of premature birth, it’s crucial to advocate for those who were born prematurely. We need policies that address social determinants of health, such as economic stability, education, and access to proper healthcare. By advocating for these changes, we can create a more supportive environment for mothers and infants and ultimately reduce the rates of premature birth.
Resources and Support for Families Facing Premature Birth
Families facing premature birth require additional support to navigate the upcoming challenges. Resources such as support groups, educational materials, and access to healthcare professionals specializing in neonatal care can be invaluable in these situations.
Hospitals and healthcare providers can play a crucial role by offering families comprehensive care plans and emotional support during this stressful time. Such resources can help affected families cope and thrive in the face of premature birth.
The significance of Premature Awareness Month
November is Premature Awareness Month, and November 17th is World Prematurity Day. It’s a perfect time to highlight the challenges faced by families affected by preterm birth.
Personal Stories: The Impact of Premature Birth
The best way to truly understand premature birth is to hear personal experiences from families that dealt with it. While these stories can be heart-wrenching, they’re also incredibly inspiring.
So, now I want to share my story with you.
My Story
I was born at 35 weeks gestation; this means I was born two months too early. I weighed just 2 pounds and 3 ounces. As a result of my premature birth, I was born with Spina Bifida, Encephalocele, and Hydrocephalus.
After birth, I was put in the NICU for months. Since I was premature and with disabilities, I had problems growing up. These included difficulty with walking and learning. I also couldn’t attend PE classes.
Despite the challenges I faced due to my premature birth, I am now 33 years old and thriving. My journey taught me the importance of advocacy, and I couldn’t be happier to be alive. Even though I was born a preemie, I will continue to push through all obstacles. I encourage you to do the same. Together, we can make a difference.
Image Via Unsplash
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