Pediatrician Dr. Betina Costa underlines the importance of medical monitoring and family support for the recovery and healthy development of these little warriors.
Purple November is celebrated in November, an awareness campaign on prematurity, which seeks to inform the population about the challenges faced by children born before 37 weeks of gestation. These little warriors, known as premature babies, often face a variety of challenges in the first days and months of life, requiring special attention from the medical team and parents.
Premature babies have significant differences compared to those born at term, which is considered between 37 and 41 weeks and 6 days of gestation. According to pediatrician Dr. Betina Costa, the main difference is the immaturity of their body systems, especially the immune system, which makes them more vulnerable to infections and other health problems. “As a result, many premature infants require intensive support for basic functions such as breathing and temperature control, which can result in prolonged hospitalizations,” he explains.
The specialist emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring for these children. “It is essential that these children receive the stimulation and care they need to develop at their own pace,” she says. This monitoring is essential not only in the first months, but during the first years, when premature babies need particular attention to reach typical developmental milestones.
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Studies show that with proper care, many premature babies are able to progress and reach developmental milestones similar to those of full-term babies by around two or three years of age. “This recovery depends on several factors, including the degree of prematurity, access to specialized care and the family environment,” he emphasizes.
The importance of family support
In addition to medical support, family involvement is essential for the development of premature babies. “The stimulation and love that little ones receive at home makes the difference in their recovery and growth.”
In Brazil, prematurity represents a serious public health problem. According to data from the Ministry of Health, about 11% of births in the country are premature, or about 300 thousand children per year. These numbers reinforce the need for a support and awareness network on prematurity and the importance of Purple November, with the aim of improving the health and quality of life of these newborns. “Raising society’s awareness of prematurity is a crucial step in being able to offer the necessary support to these families, helping children overcome initial challenges and develop healthily,” she adds.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
