Posts Tagged ‘going into labour’

LABOUR AND BIRTH
It’s all your fault, stop the pain!
choices for pain relief
What is the best form of pain relief in labour?
As each woman and labour is very different, it is difficult to say which is the ”best” form of pain relief. This will also depend on an individual’s coping mechanisms and pain threshold. There are many different types of pain relief (see p 174) including alternative therapies such as aromatherapy acupuncture, homeopathic kits, reflexology and hynobirthing (using self-hypnosis to reach a state of deep relaxation); natural methods, such as water, massage, TENS, and the positions you adopt; and drugs, such as gas and air and pethidine, and epidural. Your midwife will talk to you about the different choices available and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Last time I made a real idiot of myself. I don’t want to lose control again - what do you advise?
The best advice is to know your options, have an open mind, and be guided by labour and how you are feeling. Being positive and having appropriate support can not only result in a good experience, but can reduce your preception of the pain, and feeling empowered helps you to stay in control
Are relaxation and childbirth classes helpful?
Relaxation and breathing techniques taught in antenatal chidbirth classes are extremely useful when used together and at the correct times in labour (see p.176). This, combined with working with your partner and the midwife, can help to make the pain more bearable and thus the birth experience more pleasurable. It is worth pointing out that people have different pain thresholds and relaxation and breathing techniques alone may not be enough to help you cope with the pain of labour, especially as
labour advances. Practising breathing and relaxation techniques before labour begins increases the benefit so classes are helpful.
Can moving around during labour help with the pain?
Providing the labour is straightforward, it does
seem to be the case that being as active as possible can help the progress of labour. Not only does this help with the pain, but it can also encourage more effective contractions so that labour is faster As the labour advances, it may be difficult to get into a position that is comfortable, and often women move around to try to find the best one. Favoured positions are standing, kneeling, or squatting, and rocking the pelvis, either on a birthing ball with your legs astride or leaning onto the bed or into the wall
Being prepared
practical and mental preparation for labour
Inevitably, labour will involve a degree of pain. Although this can be a frightening prospect, accepting this and thinking in advance about how you might deal with the pain may help you to cope better when the time comes. * Be as informed as possible about pain-relief options to help you make choices you are happy with in labour, Find out if you need to do anything in advance, such as inform staff if you want a water birth. * Try to think about the final outcome of labour and view the pain as part of the process that brings you closer to your baby.
How can a birthing ball help during labour?
Using a birthing ball during labour has the advantage of opening up the pelvis to allow the baby to move down more easily You can take your own birthing ball into hospital, and this may be advisable as supplies may be limited.
What is a TENS machine and how do they work?
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) works by stimulating the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and also by blocking some of the pain pathways Electrodes placed on
your back or abdomen are attached to a unit that fires electrical impulses when a button is pressed, blocking pain pathways The strength and frequency of the current can be altered according to your needs. This is a natural form of pain relief that requires no drugs and is a good way to involve your partner, who can position electrodes.
The machines will produce a tingly sensation,
but this does not hurt. Some people do not like the sensation, while for others it works very well, so it’s a good idea to hire a machine before labour to see if this form of pain relief suits you.
The advantages of TENS are that you are in control of your pain relief and are free to move around while you are using it. Check in advance whether the unit supplies TENS, or whether you need to hire one before going to hospital
Will I be able to use my TENS machine at the same time as other types of pain relief?
TENS can be used with pethidine or diamorphine and gas and air, but not with water (because it is electrical) or with an epidural (because of the position of the electrodes on your back).
My midwife says that I can have my baby at home, but what pain relief will I be able to have?
There are a variety of, mainly natural forms of pain relief that you can use in your own home. Alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy, homeopathic kits,reflexology. and acupuncture can all be used, as long as an appropriately trained person is providing them. Many women having home births opt for warm water. either in the bath or in a hired pool, as this is an effective form of pain relief. The midwife can also offer gas and air and pethidine as alternatives, if natural forms of pain relief are not working.
However, you may find that just by having your baby at home, you are less likely to need much pain relief. This is because evidence suggests that women who stay at home for as long as possible during tabour, or for the whole of their labour, have a more positive experience, which includes needing less pain relief. By adopting the correct positions, using massage, and breathing and relaxation techniques, you may find that you limit the amount of medical pain relief you need.
How an epidural works
An epidural is an injection into your back that numbs your body so that you are unable to feel the contractions. For about 90 per cent of women it completely blocks the pain. Epidurals work by blocking pain nerves as they enter the spinal cord Setting up an epidural is a medical procedure that can only be done by an anaesthetist. A local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area of the lower back before the procedure is carried out. A special needle is then carefully inserted into the space near to where the nerves enter the spinal cord. A fine tube is pushed carefully through the needle and left in place so that drugs can be run through it The procedure usually takes around 20-30 minutes, and it takes approximately 15-20 minutes for the epidural to start working effectively.
HOW THE EPIDURAL IS INSERTED:
Will I be able to cope through all the stages of labour using breathing techniques alone?
Relaxation and breathing techniques are extremely useful when used together and used at the correct times. It is common for women to breathe short, rapid breaths at the strongest part of the contraction. Studies show that this can cause a panic-type response in your body that can increase tension and heighten the pain. Learning to “sigh out slowly’ (SOS) and keeping your shoulders down can help you in labour, if you have practised during pregnancy, At the end of tabour, when it is necessary to control the head as it delivers, the midwife will ask you to pant or blow. This is two short breaths out followed by a longer breath out. Combining breathing techniques with working with your partner and the
midwife can help to make the pain more bearable and thus the birth experience more pleasurable. It is worth pointing out that people have different pain thresholds, and breathing alone may not be enough, especially as labour advances.
Can a water birth help with pain?
It is well documented that water can help with labour pains (see p 156). The heat of the water reduces muscle spasms, and the buoyancy of the water relieves pressure on the pelvis, which lessens the overall pain experienced The water is kept around body temperature by topping up with warm water and needs to be covering your ”bump” to be effective. Studies have shown that it can reduce the length of labours and the risk of tearing. Babies can be born completely under water so that they do not gasp until they hit the cold air. Most hospitals allow you to use gas and air in a pool as an additional form of pain relief.
I want to remember everything about the birth - how can I achieve this?
Probably the most effective way to remember as much as you can about your labour and the birth of your baby is to try to remain as healthy and rested as possible prior to the start of your labour, which will give you the best chance of staying strong and clearheaded during labour Feeling strong and having plenty of energy may also help you to remain upright and active during the course of your labour, reducing the need for opioids, such as pethidine, which can create a mild state of amnesia, meaning that you may have some difficulty remembering the finer details of the birth It’s also helpful to have a partner or close friend with you throughout your labour so that they too can help fill in any blanks later, and photographs and videos are good prompts If you do find after the birth that there are parts you can’t remember, you could ask your midwife to let you see your birth notes Or you could try to keep a birth journal between contractions!
I want an epidural but I’m afraid about having one -should I be worried?
Epidurals work by blocking pain nerves as they enter the spinal cord (see opposite). The doctor performing the procedure will be very experienced as it is a very small area they need to aim for. You need to sit very still in the position demonstrated to avoid any problems. There is a slight chance that if the needle goes in too far, it can cause a leak of fluid causing a aural tap”, which can result in a severe headache Other fears include future backache, which may be prevented by changing your position frequently in labour There is a very small risk (although this is highly unlikely) that damage is caused to the nerves.
I’m scared to death about going into labour - will I get an epidural?
The availability of epidurals will depend on each hospital It is best to ask your midwife what the procedure is at the hospital you are booked at If you think in advance that you would like an epidural, or decide in labour that you would like one, let the midwife know as soon as possible so that she can contact the anaesthetist and arrange this.
Will having an epidural slow down my labour?
As epidurals numb your feelings, this can make it hard to know when to push As a result, it may slow the labour or increase the risk of a forceps
or ventouse delivery slightly However, if this occurs the midwife or doctor will gently lay a hand on -your abdomen and will be able to feel as soon as a new contraction begins in your uterus. This will be a
sign to them to encourage you to actively push, even though you do not feel the sensation of the actual contraction due to the epidural anaesthesia. Following the advice of the midwife in this way may reduce the need for an assisted delivery, as pushing with a contraction is safer and more effective in terms of easing your baby through the birth canal.
I’m very keen to stay active in labour - can I do this if I have an epidural?
One of the side effects of an epidural is that your legs may feel numb and unable to hold your weight, which can restrict your movements. Some maternity units do offer “mobile” epidurals. These work in the same way as a standard epidural, but you are given a lower dose of the analgesic drug. This means that you are unable to feel the pain of the contractions, but the nerves controlling your legs, abdomen, and bladder are relatively unaffected so you are still able to remain mobile. This leaves you free to move around and be upright during labour and can also mean that you do not need to have a catheter inserted to empty your bladder. A mobile epidural can also increase the likelihood of a vaginal delivery, as being able to move around will assist the progress of labour, and being less numb means that you will be able to push more instinctively during labour contractions You may want to check in advance with your midwife whether your local maternity unit provides this facility
I’ve heard that pethidine can make you feel sick, and the baby drowsy after birth. Is this true?
Pethidine is from the family of drugs called opiates and is the most commonly used drug during labour. It is usually given by injection and its side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or drowsiness; it can also delay the baby’s breathing.
To combat the nausea and vomiting, an anti-sickness drug is usually given with pethidine If the baby’s breathing is noticeably affected, an antidote injection is sometimes given to reverse the effects of the pethidine, although this is not usually necessary and would only be given if the baby didn’t respond well to other types of stimulus, such as gently rubbing the baby’s back with a warm towel, or gently stimulating and rubbing the feet of a baby, which can be enough to make him inhale. Your baby’s ability to breastfeed can be affected if he is drowsy, and midwives are now encouraged to
provide extra support to mothers choosing to breastfeed if they have had pethidine during labour in an attempt to overcome this side effect.
When is it best to start using gas and air?
Gas and air, or Entonox, is a combination of 50 per cent oxygen and 50 per cent nitrous oxide (laughing gas). It is widely available in maternity units and can be used in home births. This method of pain relief works by reducing the pain messages that the brain receives. It starts to take effect within 20 seconds, so it is advisable to time your intake of gas and air with your contractions, so that you start taking it just before or at the beginning of a contraction to get the maximum benefit, at around 45-50 seconds.
Gas and air can be used from the onset of your labour. However, some women report that they feel slightly drowsy and light-headed and therefore out of
Pethidine and diamorphine
Opiate drugs used for pain relief during labour
These drugs are useful in the early stages of labour, helping you to relax and deal with the pain, and pethidine in particular is widely used. They can only be administered in the form of an injection by a midwife or doctor, usually in the hospital or a maternity unit. As with much pain relief, these drugs have advantages and disadvantages.
* Pethidine has a sedative effect, relaxing the muscles of the uterus, and is especially useful if you are feeling anxious or experiencing a long labour as it helps you to rest.
* Both drugs can make you feel nauseous and they can enter the baby’s system. If given too close to the time of delivery, they can make the baby sleepy and can even cause problems with the baby’s breathing.
control while taking gas and air and therefore you may find that you want to stop taking it while you are pushing if it is distracting you too much and stopping you focusing on the contractions. Some women manage their entire labour on gas and air alone, while others find that they need another form of pain relief in the later stages of labour
How will I use the gas and air and is it likely to make me feel sick?
Gas and air is breathed in through a mouthpiece or mask that is connected to a cylinder or pipes in the wall that lead to larger cylinders elsewhere You administer it yourself, so are more in control of how much you take and when.
Gas and air can make your lips and mouth feel tingly and dry, and in some cases women report feeling nauseous while taking it. Using a mouthpiece rather than a mask may help to reduce feelings of nausea brought on by the smell of the gas and the sensation of having a mask over your face, and taking sips of water may help. As the effect of gas and air is short-lived, you only need to use it during contractions; taking gas and air between contractions will not help with the pain of the next contraction and is likely to increase the sensation of nausea.
I want to have a great birth but you hear such awful stories -how can I stay positive?
For every awful birth story there is an equally positive one — it does tend to be the case that you are less likely to hear about the positive birth stories as these aren’t such good topics of discussion! However your labour and birth proceeds, the birth of your baby will be amazing because you will finally meet the little person who has dominated your life for the past nine months.
It is sensible to remain open minded about labour and birth, because it’s impossible to foresee exactly how things will go on the day. However, there is a lot that you and your partner can do to help prepare yourselves for labour and birth so that you
Gas and air
A form of self-controlled pain relief in labour
A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide that is self-administered in labour.
Gas and air, also known as Entonox, is taken through a mask or a mouthpiece during labour. This dulls the pain centres in the brain and produce a sense of euphoria. This needs to be timed with your contractions as the effects are short-lasting, with the gas being breathed in just prior to and during a contraction You will feel normal once you stop using it
Gas and air tends to be the preferred choice for managing pain in women who want to labour as naturally as possible. The reason for this is that gas and air has several advantages, including the fact that you can remain mobile and active while using it; it can be used during a water birth; it doesn’t affect the baby in any way, and it doesn’t make you feel drowsy during labour, which allows you to feel more in control throughout and to remain as focused as possible on your contractions However, although it is a widely available and a popular choice of pain relief in the UK, it doesn’t tend to be used in the United States.
have the best chance of having a positive overall birth experience For example, you can both learn as much as possible about the process of labour and birth so that you can make informed decisions in labour. You can chat with your midwife, read books, find information on the internet, and attend antenatal classes. Also, knowing how labour progresses helps to demystify the experience and therefore removes some of the fear that accompanies labour and birth. Learning basic relaxation and breathing exercises also helps (see p 173), as being able to relax as much as possible during labour helps you to feel less anxious, which in turn can help the labour to proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible

Breathing techniques
Using relaxation and breathing techniques can help you to relax and cope with the contractions throughout your labour. Try practising techniques with your partner before labour. Learning to control your breathing has many benefits, including helping you to increase your energy reserves and let go of tension and anxiety so that you can breathe with the rhythm of the contraction. In the earlier stages of labour, you may want to practise longer, deeper breaths between contractions to help keep you calm and focused You can also try breathing in slowly at the start of a contraction and then exhaling slowly and continuing this pattern until the contraction has passed. Later in labour as contractions become stronger, you may find taking shorter, lighter breaths helps you to ride over the contraction.

How to manage the pain

There are a range of pain relief options available It’s wise to think about which method you would prefer before going into labour.
Relaxation, breathing, keeping mobile,
and massage: You remain in control and avoid intervention. Being upright can help the position of the baby and there are no side effects. This may not be sufficient pain relief for strong contractions
Water: Using a birthing pool in labour and possibly for delivery can hale you to labour quicker and less painfully, with no side effects.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation): Sticky pads placed on your back send small electrical impulses to trigger the release of endorphins. You control the current
with a hand-held device. This may not provide sufficient relief for very strong contractions.
Gas and air: 50 per cent oxygen and 50 per cent nitrous oxygen. This is easy to use and drugs don’t accumulate in your body, Some women feel sick or sleepy and find this isn’t strong enough.
Pethidine or diamorphine: These can lessen
the pain, but can cause sickness and affect the baby’s breathing if given too close to delivery.
Epidural anaesthesia: A local injection near the spine, this is the most effective form of pain relief and doesn’t enter the baby’s system. It increases the chance of forceps, ventouse, and Caesarean, as you may not be able to feel when to push. You will be less mobile and will need monitoring

premature births
What is meant by premature labour?
Premature means that a baby is born several weeks earlier that the estimated “due date”. While only a tiny percentage of babies will actually be born on the day that they are supposedly ”due”, and predicting exactly when the birth will happen is virtually impossible, most women do have their babies somewhere between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, The due date (EDD, or expected date of delivery) is calculated at 40 weeks (see p.41). Technically, any baby born before the 37th completed week of pregnancy is termed premature, but the closer to your EDD your baby is delivered, the fewer problems he should have in coping with life outside the womb
Can I do anything to reduce the risk of my going into labour early?
It is not totally understood why women go into labour, although it is thought that it is probably due to a combination of factors (see p.144). Unfortunately, most preventive measures to stop premature labour have not proved to be effective, so there may be little that an individual can do to reduce the risk of this happening. However, the most effective self-help measures towards a normal pregnancy, a positive outcome to birth, and hopefully avoidance of a premature labour, are to adopt a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy including not smoking or drinking alcohol, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting some form of daily exercise. Also, good social support has been shown to help reduce stress levels and worry during pregnancy, which can have a very positive effect on your general health and wellbeing and, in turn, hopefully on your pregnancy, labour, and birth
I’m pregnant with triplets -will my babies need to be delivered early?
A multiple pregnancy is more likely to result in a premature birth and the more babies you are carrying, the higher the risk of this happening. For triplets the delivery that carries the least risk is an elective Caesarean section (although there is a measured risk with all medical procedures) and, if this is agreed with your midwife and doctor, a delivery date will be decided on that is in the best interests of you and your babies.
The doctors will try to seek a balance between the risks associated with premature delivery, such as the babies’ development not being complete, against the increased chance of you going into your own natural labour as you get nearer to your expected date of delivery Your consultant should discuss the timing of this with you and you should be involved in all the decisions. Every maternity unit will have their own guidelines, but the final decision will be based on not just your health, but on the health of your babies This ensures that the babies are born at the optimum time and reduces the likelihood of problems occurring that are associated with premature deliveries.
Why are some babies born prematurely?
There are certain factors that may increase an individual’s likelihood of having a premature baby These include a previous obstetric history of prematurity of either themselves or a mother or sister: illness during pregnancy, the state of a mother’s health prior to pregnancy having a multiple pregnancy; smoking; and fetal problems, such as reduced growth, which may be due to lifestyle factors such as smoking and other fetal disorders. Most premature babies are placed in a special care baby unit (see opposite), where they will receive specialist medical care and attention until they are well enough to return home.
If I go into labour prematurely, can the doctors stop the contractions?
Usually, nothing can stop labour once it is under
way, but your contractions can be temporarily slowed down with drugs called tocolytics. However, these do not always work over a long period of time and can have side effects, such as increasing your heart rate and affecting blood pressure. In general, they are not given for longer than 48 hours. If they hold off labour for this amount of time, steroids can be administered to help to mature your baby’s lungs before the delivery, and this also allows you to be transferred to a hospital with an intensive neonatal unit
Occasionally, if there is an obvious cause for labour starting early such as an infection, then treating the infection with antibiotics may be enough to stop contractions
My partner is in hospital as
there is a risk of premature
labour. How can I prepare at home?
If there is a high risk of your baby being born early, I suggest that your priority should be supporting your partner while she is staying in hospital You will

CARING FOR PREMATURE BABIES:
have plenty of time to prepare for your baby’s arrival at home after the actual birth, as premature babies often need a prolonged stay in hospital due to a higher risk of complications
While your partner is in hospital, she is likely to be feeling low, anxious, and possibly fairly isolated. There are plenty of things you can do to boost her morale and keep her feeling positive about her situation. You can talk to her and make a list of things that need to be bought or done at home. This will help to keep her involved and not feel so isolated in hospital, and will also help to reassure her that things will be ready for the baby. You will need the same items for -your baby if he is born prematurely as you would for a baby born full term. Concentrate on the basics such as warm clothes for your baby a pram or buggy, and a car seat If you haven’t already done so you could think about where your baby will sleep This should be somewhere comfortably warm and close to you and your partner If your partner is in hospital for a long period of time, collect shop brochures so you can make your choices together You could also try to encourage your partner to read about breastfeeding, which will be of particular benefit to your baby if he is born early.
Why do premature babies have breathing difficulties?
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the most common complication of premature births and affects over 50 per cent of babies born before 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Lung problems occur in premature babies for several reasons The lungs are not fully developed until the later stages of pregnancy, and an important substance known as ‘’surfactant”, which enables a baby’s small lungs to mature and function effectively, does not develop until after 36 weeks of pregnancy Also the earlier the baby is born, the more underdeveloped the lungs and muscles of the rib cage are, which results in babies becoming increasingly tired as they require more effort to breathe Breathing problems are the commonest reason for babies being admitted to neonatal units Premature babies are much more prone to respiratory infections than fully grown babies and may require help breathing using mechanical ventilators, which, although life-saving, can themselves cause problems for the baby’s lungs.
Bonding with your special care baby
Having a baby in a special care baby unit can be an extremely anxious time and, apart from his physical development, you may be concerned about how you will bond with your baby However, the staff will encourage you to be as involved as possible in your baby’s care and will give you plenty of opportunity to have contact Touching, cuddling, and talking to your baby can be a real comfort for both you and your baby, The need to touch and be touched is a primal instinct and has been shown to play a significant role in the development of your baby, as plenty of research shows that babies gain weight more quickly, cry less, breastfeed more successfully and are discharged home earlier when continued close contact is maintained between the baby and parents
daily basis for any problems, especially those related to brain growth and development.
Following discharge from the neonatal unit, your baby will still be monitored very closely in outpatients. Although most serious defects can be detected from birth, it is often some time later before less obvious developmental problems can be identified, which is why this follow-up period is necessary Although these problems can include some learning and speech difficulties, medical staff are very knowledgeable about these and a full support programme would be available.
How can we reassure our baby while he is in the special
care unit?
Except in rare situations when your baby may be too ill to be touched, or if there is a high risk of infection, you and your partner will be encouraged to play a very important part in the care and wellbeing of your baby There are many things you and your partner can do to ensure that your baby knows you are there for him and is reassured by your presence. As well as having plenty of physical contact with your baby, touching and stroking him to help with bonding (see above), your baby will also love to hear the sound of your voice, so spend lots of time talking and singing to him. Your baby will soon come to recognize you as a comforting and loving presence.
My baby is in the special care baby unit. I’m trying to express milk every day - am I helping?
Breast milk helps to ensure that the mother’s natural immunity is passed on to her baby via her milk. As premature babies are more prone to infection, expressing your breast milk is a great way to help your baby while he is in the special care unit Breast milk is also much easier for a baby to digest, which is especially important for premature babies since their digestive tract may be less developed. This is also a great way for you to bond and develop a relationship with your baby.
This is a time of considerable stress and mothers can feel helpless Knowing that you are doing such a great thing to help your baby will help enormously.
Is it dangerous for my premature baby to have formula milk?
It is perfectly fine for a premature baby to receive formula milk and is not at all dangerous if the correct formula is given. Premature babies are given formula milks that are produced specifically for their needs These formulas are very specialized and prescribed by a doctor to meet the individual nutritional requirements of each premature baby as they grow. All artificial milks or modified infant formulas are highly processed products and have gone through rigorous health and safety checks.
Do all hospitals have facilities for premature babies?
Facilities vary throughout the country and while most maternity units and hospitals have a special care baby facility not all have a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where babies go if they need intensive life support This means that babies below a certain gestation, around 24 weeks, may have to be transferred either before or after the birth to receive more specialized treatment, such as intensive assistance with breathing.
If it is thought that you are at a greater risk of having your baby prematurely, then you may well receive some or all of your care at a hospital with more specialized facilities and you will be able to view the neonatal unit before giving birth
My first baby was born prematurely. How likely is this to happen again?
Fewer than seven per cent of all births in the UK are premature, and fewer than a quarter of babies born prematurely are below 32 weeks’ gestation. If your first baby was premature, the chance of this happening again depends on the reason for your premature delivery last time If it was because you went ”naturally” into premature labour with no identifiable reason, then there is a risk that it may happen again Sometimes there may be a genetic link, which may be the case if your mother or sister.

If your baby has to spend a substantial amount of time in a special care baby unit, it can be very hard to cope emotionally. There are steps you can take to help you through this difficult time.
* Spend as much time as possible with your baby in the unit and get involved in his care whenever possible.
* If your baby’s stay is prolonged, try not to feel guilty about spending time at home away from him. Instead, use this time to rest and reserve your energy for your baby. * Keep reminding yourself that your baby is receiving the best possible care.
My premature baby has jaundice - what will be done to help him?
Jaundice is one of the most common problems in all newborn babies and premature babies are even more at risk as they have an immature liver, which normally removes bilirubin, the substance that causes the yellow tinge common to jaundice, from the body Bilirubin is produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. It is a yellow pigment that, if not cleared by the kidneys and liver, builds up and is deposited in the skin. Babies who develop jaundice are given blood tests to measure the level of bilirubin, and the result of the blood test will determine whether they require any specialist treatment. Treatment for jaundice is given by phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet light to break down the bilirubin beneath the skin so that the baby’s kidneys can safely excrete bile pigments
Our baby, born at 24 weeks, is doing well in the baby unit, but is he likely to have brain damage?
The risk of any sort of disability in a premature baby is highest at around 23-24 weeks, becoming much lower at 30 weeks. The risk of brain damage to your baby depends on whether he is experiencing problems with his liver, kidneys, or breathing, is underweight, or has other existing medical conditions in addition to being premature Some of the most common long-term problems in babies born very prematurely are those to do with hearing, vision, or fine coordination skills. However, overall, the majority of babies born at 24 weeks with few other medical complications do well.
If your baby is doing well after a few weeks this is a good sign. It is perfectly natural for you to continue to worry, but you may find it reassuring to talk to the doctors and nurses looking after your baby. Most specialist baby doctors and nurses working in neonatal units carry out regular brain scans on any baby they may have concerns about and you would be kept fully informed if this was the case.
Special care baby unit

Some babies need specialist care when they are born A special care baby unit (SCBU) is a special ward in a hospital where these babies go if they need more care There are specially trained nurses and doctors (paediatricians) in the unit to care for your baby If you know that your baby will need to go to SCBU while you are still pregnant. you can ask for a tour of the unit and to meet a paediatrician. If your baby is very ill, he may need to move to a neonatal intensive care unit.
Why do some babies need special care? Sometimes a baby needs special care because he has been born early (preterm) and may need help to breathe and stay warm. Babies who are small for their dates may also require special care. Other babies may have an infection, be jaundiced, or have a congenital abnormality and therefore require special care.
What will happen in the SCBU?Your baby may be put in an incubator with monitors attached. This controls the temperature and keeps your baby warm. If your baby needs help with breathing, he will also receive oxygen through a special ventilator in the incubator. Some of the equipment looks very frightening, but the staff will be happy to explain what is going on, as they are keen for you to be involved in your baby’s care: they can also help you to breastfeed. If your baby is admitted unexpectedly, you will be given a photo of him, as you may be recovering from a Caesarean, making it difficult for you to visit your baby during the first day, If this is the case, do ask the midwifery staff to take you to your baby as soon as you are able. SCBU staff love having the baby’s family to visit, although they may have strict rules regarding visiting - so do ask what the policies are in your unit.