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Normally, babies are born at around 39-41 weeks of gestation. However, some babies may be born earlier, that is, at less than 37 weeks of gestation. Well, this is what is known as premature birth.
Because they are born early, premature babies have less weight and length than normal babies. The development of their organs is not yet mature enough compared to normal babies. Therefore, the growth and development of premature babies may be somewhat different from those of normal babies. That way, it is important for you to adjust the age of the premature baby to the actual age (age correction).
Calculate the age of babies born prematurely
Calculating the actual age of premature babies is important to monitor the growth and development of babies according to their age, which is different from normal babies. Your baby born prematurely may have a slightly delayed growth and development than normal babies born on the same day. However, you don't need to worry because this is normal. You have to take into account the age of correction in premature babies.
Calculating the corrected age in premature babies is not difficult. You can try to count them yourself at home.
- First, start by calculating your baby's age from birth (in weeks)
- Then, subtract the fewer weeks if the baby is born normally
For example, your baby is born at 34 weeks gestation, so your baby is still 6 weeks (out of 40 weeks) less than full term. If your baby is now 6 months (24 weeks) old, then your baby is actually 24 weeks - 6 weeks = 18 weeks or 4.5 months.
Why do we need to adjust the age of premature babies?
The growth and development of preterm babies usually have a delay compared to babies born at term at the same age. This certainly makes you as a parent feel worried. However, this is actually a natural thing.
In addition, because the development and growth of babies are definitely different between individuals, premature babies are also born earlier, so they need to catch up with their development while still in the womb. When a baby is born earlier than they should, their brain and nervous system are not well developed or mature enough than full-term babies of the same age.
By calculating the actual age of premature babies, it can help you in assessing the development and growth of premature babies that should be (which is definitely different from normal babies). That way, you will be less worried about your baby's development (which you may think is too late compared to term babies).
You only need to adjust the child's age to the actual age until the child is 2-2.5 years old. Why? Because usually at this age children can quickly catch up. Thus, the growth and development of children at this age will eventually match those of children born at full term. With a note, the child's environment, such as nutrition and stimulation of children is well fulfilled.
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