The phrase 'the earlier, the better' doesn't always hold true, particularly when it comes to the arrival of a baby. Pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks, but when a baby is born before 37 weeks, it is considered premature.
This condition can happen due to various reasons, such as complications with the mother's health or specific conditions related to the pregnancy. In such cases, the baby must contend with developmental challenges and health risks.
Thankfully, advancements in neonatal care over the past few decades have significantly improved the survival rates and health outcomes of premature babies. One of such innovations is artificial womb technology, which, including the placenta, offers promising value to premature babies in need of nutritional assistance.
Artificial Womb Technology
As an innovation designed to imitate an actual womb, the artificial womb technology creates a controlled, conducive environment for premature baby care. The infant is placed in a clear biobag surrounded by fluid similar to amniotic fluid, providing comprehensive support. This setup helps preterm infants fully transition to becoming healthier, reducing the risk of complications.
Premature Baby Survival Rates
If the baby comes before week 37 of gestation, it is said to be premature. The earlier this happens, the greater the risk of complications. Based on this, preterm babies are classified into:
- Extremely Premature: Born before 28 weeks. Highest risk of severe health and developmental issues.
- Very Preterm: Born between 28 and 32 weeks. Significant health challenges, but better chances than extremely preterm.
- Moderate to Late Preterm: Born between 32 and 37 weeks. Fewer immediate issues, but might still face some challenges.
- Late Preterm: Born between 34 and 36 weeks. Closer to full term but may need close observation and special care.
A low survival rate for preterm babies usually occurs due to the underdevelopment of lungs and other organs in the body. Here is where an artificial placenta comes into play; improving survival by helping premature babies meet their oxygen requirements.
How the Artificial Placenta Works for Premature Babies
The artificial placenta is connected to the umbilical cord of the infant. By using gas exchanger technology, a permeable membrane allows respiration to take place without the need for breathing support.
As an environment designed to mimic the conditions inside the womb (the intrauterine environment), the baby's needs are met outside the mother's body (extracorporeal).
Advantages of Using Artificial Placentas in NICUs
Preterm babies have a chance at life with an artificial placenta. All living things need oxygen, nutrients, and an environment to thrive. The artificial placenta helps to provide all these, including a system to get rid of waste materials.
As a bonus benefit, its non-invasive procedure reduces the risk of infection and complications in underdeveloped organs like the lungs, brain, and heart.
Artificial Placenta vs. Traditional Neonatal Care
At a glance, it might seem like these two concepts are similar, but they have subtle differences. While traditional neonatal care is used to manage and support preterm infants, it relies on the use of incubators and mechanical ventilation, which comes with the risk of complications such as lung damage and infections.
Artificial placentas are much less invasive since the connection is to the umbilical cord, which is the closest to the natural environment for the baby, leading to better health outcomes and increased survival rates.
Cutting-Edge Technologies for Premature Baby Care
There are many other innovations designed to provide the best possible care for babies born prematurely. They include advanced incubators, modern monitoring systems, and respiratory support.
As technology evolves and becomes even more sophisticated, there is increased hope for preterm babies and a higher chance of survival.
Conclusion
If you have a preterm baby, an artificial placenta, which mimics the normal physiology in the womb during pregnancy, will enable growth in the least invasive way possible.
With significant improvement in organ function, you can focus on nurturing your child when it is time to leave the hospital and be a part of your family. With adequate nutrition and the best of care, your baby will grow healthier with increased cognitive development.