Part 1: Premature babies & Neonatal care

Verified and reviewed by: Midwife Maria Midstam
In this five-part series, you will be able to read about premature babies and the neonatal unit.

What does it mean to be born prematurely?

To be premature means that the baby is born before its body is fully developed. How much support the baby needs depends on which week it is born in.

• Extremely premature births: before week 28+0
• Very premature births: before week 32+0
• Moderately preterm births: before week 37+0

Care in the neonatal unit

Children born prematurely often need specialized care after birth.
They are taken care of at neonatal ward, where staff are specially trained to support the child's breathing, nutrition and thermoregulation.

Also full-term children who have breathing difficulties or infections can be cared for here for some time.
The aim is to provide the child with security, supervision and a calm start in life.

Why are babies born prematurely?

In some cases, a infection or illness of the pregnant woman are behind a premature birth.
But in many cases there are no clear reason - it is simply not always possible to answer why labor starts too early.

The role of the parent and the importance of proximity

Having a baby that needs neonatal care can be a tumultuous start.
The first time is rarely as you have imagined, but you as a parent are a important part of the healthcare team.

• You will gradually become more involved in care as the child grows.
• If you can't always be close, a piece of cloth with your scent be placed with the child to provide security.
• Once the baby is stable and allowed to come out of the incubator, you can hold it skin to skin - a moment that benefits both connection and well-being.

The physical proximity releases oxytocin, the body's 'feel-good' hormone, which strengthens both the baby and you.