1. Premature Babies Little lives hanging in the balance

2. Premature babies are also called preterm babies, or preemies Premature babies are also called preterm babies, or preemies Born before 37 weeks of age Born before 37 weeks of age

3. Causes Frequently caused by multiple births (accounts for 15 % of all premature births) Frequently caused by multiple births (accounts for 15 % of all premature births) Other causes are: Other causes are: Maternal drug addiction Maternal drug addiction Genetic causes Genetic causes Serious health problems Serious health problems

4. A Tour of the Preemie Ward -- video.NEWSWEEK.com – YouTube A Tour of the Preemie Ward -- video.NEWSWEEK.com – YouTube A Tour of the Preemie Ward -- video.NEWSWEEK.com – YouTube A Tour of the Preemie Ward -- video.NEWSWEEK.com – YouTube BBC Short Circuit Special Delivery Premature Babies - YouTube BBC Short Circuit Special Delivery Premature Babies - YouTube BBC Short Circuit Special Delivery Premature Babies - YouTube BBC Short Circuit Special Delivery Premature Babies - YouTube

5. Problems associated with premature infants are related to immaturity of organ systems: Problems associated with premature infants are related to immaturity of organ systems: Respiratory problems Respiratory problems Central nervous system Central nervous system Gastrointestinal system Gastrointestinal system Kidney immaturity Kidney immaturity Learning disabilities Learning disabilities

6. Extremely premature babies – babies born between 20 – 25 weeks of gestation Extremely premature babies – babies born between 20 – 25 weeks of gestation Typically, their eyes are fused together, they have almost transparent skin, & weigh only 1.5 lbs Typically, their eyes are fused together, they have almost transparent skin, & weigh only 1.5 lbs They are at very high risk for survival and often die … They are at very high risk for survival and often die …

7. Born at 24 & 30 weeks

8. These extremely premature babies are also subjected to other health issues: (significantly handicapped) These extremely premature babies are also subjected to other health issues: (significantly handicapped) Inability to walk Inability to walk Blindness, deafness Blindness, deafness Problems with communication Problems with communication Cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy

9. A difficult discussion… Often premature babies experience significant health challenges, and huge medical interventions and expenses Often premature babies experience significant health challenges, and huge medical interventions and expenses Is it fair to these children to ‘save their lives’ at all cost, or should parents just let nature take its course? Is it fair to these children to ‘save their lives’ at all cost, or should parents just let nature take its course?