Understanding Prematurity
Term birth occurs between 37 and 42 weeks, while preterm birth is any birth before 37 weeks. Here’s a breakdown:
- Late preterm: 34-36 completed weeks
- Moderately preterm: 32-34 weeks
- Very preterm: Less than 32 weeks
- Extremely preterm: At or before 25 weeks
For more, dive into our complete guide on prematurity with real-world scenarios and quizzes.
How to Calculate Corrected Age
Corrected age helps account for prematurity, aligning a preterm infant’s development with their expected maturity. Calculate by subtracting the weeks early from the chronological age.
Example: For a baby born at 30 weeks, now 3 months old:
- Gestational age: 30 weeks
- Corrected age: 12 weeks (chronological) – 10 weeks (prematurity) = 2 weeks corrected
Continue adjusting age until the child reaches 2-3 years.
NICU Terminology Explained
Naviagate complex NICU terms like Apnea of Prematurity and Gavage feedings with ease:
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Central Catheter or PICC Line | Used for medication delivery in neonates, particularly preemies. |
Explore all NICU terms in our full glossary, complete with practical examples.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in NICU
Occupational therapists play a key role in NICU by providing sensory modulation, promoting oral feeding, and maintaining developmental positions.
- Use dim lighting and cocooning for sensory stimulation.
- Encourage skin-to-skin contact for oral feeding readiness.
Our detailed content includes case studies illustrating OT interventions. Explore now!
Feeding and Developmental Strategies
Before infants reach 32-34 weeks, oral feeding is not viable due to immature motor skills. Gavage feeding is often necessary at this stage.
Assessing Oral-Motor Development
Goal: Ensure smooth, rhythmic sucking and physiological stability during assessments using steps like evaluating root reflexes and tongue capability.
Identify stress cues such as gaze aversion, then adapt strategies to optimize feeding and reflux management.
Reflux Management in Preemies
Reflux is common in preemies. Control it by positioning them on an inclined surface and considering milk thickening after 42-44 weeks of age.
Wondering how occupational therapy can assist in managing NICU challenges? Our comprehensive guide covers all aspects, ensuring preemies get the exact care they need.
Want detailed practice tips to ace the NBCOT® exam? Join now for full access!
What is prematurity and how is it classified?
Prematurity refers to a birth that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation. It is classified into four categories: Late preterm (34-36 completed weeks), Moderately preterm (32-34 weeks), Very preterm (less than 32 weeks), and Extremely preterm (at or before 25 weeks).
How do you calculate corrected age for a preterm infant?
To calculate corrected age, subtract the number of weeks the baby was born early from their chronological age. For example, if a baby was born at 30 weeks gestation and is now 3 months old, subtract 10 weeks (the time born early) from 12 weeks (chronological age) to get 2 weeks corrected age.
What role does occupational therapy play in the NICU?
Occupational therapists in the NICU focus on sensory modulation, promoting developmental positions, and ensuring readiness for oral feeding. They use strategies like dim lighting for sensory stimulation and encourage skin-to-skin contact to aid oral feeding.
What are the feeding and developmental strategies for preterm infants?
Preterm infants often require gavage feeding instead of oral feeding due to immature motor skills before reaching 32-34 weeks of gestational age. Assessments focus on oral-motor development to ensure rhythmic sucking and minimizing stress cues to improve feeding success.
How is reflux managed in premature infants?
Reflux in preemies is managed by positioning them on an inclined surface and considering milk thickening methods if needed after they reach 42-44 weeks of age. Occupational therapists can provide guidance on handling reflux symptoms effectively.
