The final weeks of pregnancy are crucial for brain, lung, and organ growth. Premature infants must finish developing outside the womb, which can alter typical gross motor development. This is often related to the following challenges:
- An Underdeveloped Nervous System: An immature nervous system makes it harder for a baby to process sensory information, manage reflexes, and control muscle movements smoothly. (Is sensory processing associated with prematurity, motor and cognitive development at 12 months of age?).
- Medical complications and critical illnesses: Lack of oxygen or prolonged time spent on mechanical ventilators can impact how the rib cage and diaphragm interact and function. Complications during mechanical ventilation—A pediatric intensive care perspective
- Underlying Medical Events/Conditions: Medical events such as hemorrhages (brain bleeds), seizures, or sepsis directly impact developing brain tissue. Post-discharge Care of the NICU Graduate / Late Preterm and Early Term Infant
- Early Sensory and Pain Stress: The NICU environment involves bright lights, loud monitor alarms, and necessary but painful medical procedures. This early life stress can affect neurological stability and behavioral regulation. Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress (PMTS) from NICU to Preschool
Menaka Parikh
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