Perinatal Risk Factors PSY 417 Schuetze

Definitions Perinatal Period: 12 th week gestation through neonatal period Neonatal Period: 1 st 4 weeks of life Fullterm: 37 weeks gestation through 41 weeks Preterm: Prior to 37 weeks gestation

Prematurity Before 37 th week of gestation 7-10% of all live births Extreme prematurity: Before 28 th week gestation

Low Birthweight (LBW) LBW: less than 2500 grams (5 pounds, 8 ounces) VLBW: less than 1500 grams (3 pounds, 5 ounces) ELBW: less than 1000 grams Micropremie: less than 800 grams Small for Gestational Age (SGA): weight is below 10 th percentile for gestational age

Prevalence of LBW 7.2% of all live births 70% are premature, 30% are fullterm SGA 1.3% are LBW

Survival Rates of LBW infants 25% of infants between 500 and 750 grams 50% between 751 and 1000 grams 90% between 1001 and 1500 grams

Comorbidity Cerebral disorders Cerebral Palsy Epilepsy Hypoglycemia Developmental Delays Learning Disabilities

Postmaturity Pregnancy lasting beyond weeks gestation Appearance: thickened, peeling skin; long, thin body; wrinkled facial expression Increased number of perinatal compliations Lower scores on scales of mental development during first year Higher incidence of illness Feeding problems, sleep disturbances