A little over six years ago at a routine prenatal appointment, my OB noticed my elevated blood pressure and swelling in my face. I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. I was 29 weeks pregnant with my third child. A few days later I was admitted to the high risk antepartum unit for blood pressure monitoring. I made it nearly 24 hours before my blood pressures were too severe and delivery was deemed necessary. My daughter was born at 30 weeks and 3 days just before midnight.
No stranger to the NICU, I was aware of everything she could experience and the journey we would face as a family. 35 days later at a corrected age of 36 weeks, we took her home. Each November, I reflect on the journey that was the NICU, the ups and downs, the scary moments and those that came with celebration. November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on a quiet challenge that affects families across the globe.
The perception of the NICU usually involves a small sized baby and high-tech incubator. The breadth of a NICU stay and journey is more complex and far-reaching than most may realize. Understanding the landscape of prematurity helps us build a more supportive world for families navigating this journey. Here’s what everyone should know:
Globally, approximately 1 in 10 babies born are born prematurely or before term (37 weeks). The rate in the United States is similar, roughly 1 in 10 babies. This means that in any given community, there is a high statistical probability that you know someone who was born prematurely. It is not a rare medical anomaly; but a significant public health issue.
A lingering stigma remains surrounding preterm birth and many birth parents wondering if they did something wrong. Premature birth is multifactorial, blame should not be placed on the birth parent. While there are many risk factors that influence premature births (maternal age, chronic and pregnancy related health conditions, multiples) about 50% of preterm births have no known cause. It remains a physiological event that can happen to anyone regardless of lifestyle or preparation.
The NICU can be a high-stress environment. In addition to supporting vital functions, the NICU is especially focused on protecting the necessary development of the baby. The development journey is based on corrected gestational age milestones rather than chronological. For example, a baby born at 29 weeks who is 5 weeks old is considered 34 weeks corrected, 6 weeks shy of term gestation. Chronologic milestones are measured by an infant’s corrected age. The NICU journey allows the baby to do the growing and maturing it would normally do in the womb in a safe, supportive environment.
A big misconception about premature birth is that once a baby leaves the hospital, the preemie label disappears. Preemies can face life-long health challenges including issues in lung development, vision, feeding, and other developmental delays. Parents of premature babies often experience “medical PTSD”, hypervigilance and the on-going coordination of care long after the homecoming celebration.
You might be wondering, “How does this affect me if I haven’t had a premature baby?”
Empathy and Language: Understanding that a baby born prematurely may grow and develop at a different pace than their chronological aged counterparts helps us shift our expectations and offer grace rather than judgement.
Workplace Support: Prematurity Awareness Month highlights the need for better parental leave policies. When we advocate for families of preemies, we advocate for better support systems for all parents.
Advocacy: Premature birth is the leading cause of death for children under age 1. By supporting research into prenatal care and maternal health, we are investing in the future health of our entire society.
Wear Purple: show your support by wearing the official color of Prematurity Awareness
Check on Those You Know: A quick message or call to a family who has an infant in the NICU or recently discharged can make a difference. A simple “I’m thinking of you” goes a long way
Support Research: Donate to or volunteer with organizations like the March of Dimes, which fund vital research into preventing preterm birth and improving care for NICU infants.
Prematurity Awareness is about more than just data and statistics. It’s about the resilience of tiny humans and the strength of the families who love them. Our NICU journey was unique and without life-long challenges. Six years later and my 30 week fragile baby is a fiery, giggly first grader. Bringing awareness to this small area of medicine brings hope and light to all those families who are somewhere in the NICU journey.
For any additional questions, reach out to your Women's Health provider.
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