Since 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have noticed a steady rise in U.S. preterm babies, up to 12% [1]. Ultimately, 1 out of 10 American babies are born prematurely due to various reasons, which drastically affects their development. Some struggle to meet the standard height and weight, while others suffer from illnesses like digestive disorders, lung problems, and cardiovascular diseases.
In today’s article, we will focus on the height growth aspect of premature babies and seek possible measures to improve their stature later on.
What is prematurity?
A normal pregnancy should last around 9 months and 10 days, with the final few weeks dedicated to the maturation of vital organs such as the lungs and the brain [2]. If babies leave the womb before the 37th week, they are considered premature. Most immature babies are unable to breathe naturally on their own and are more prone to cognitive impairment. Hence, they are directly transferred to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) room to ensure the appropriate care right after birth.
In most circumstances, the mothers cannot breastfeed their preterm babies since the child is incapable of sucking and swallowing. For newborns and infants, from 0 to 6 months old, breastfeeding is the most efficient way to strengthen their immunity and metabolism system [3]. Researchers have found that many bioactive substances (growth hormones and nutrients) in breast milk can reduce the baby’s illness frequency and intensity. Without those favorable nutrients, it is more difficult for the preemies to catch up with those born at term
Why is my child born prematurely?
Though health experts have not identified the exact cause of early birth, some external factors—maternal age, living conditions, and habits—are closely linked.
If the pregnant woman is younger than 24 or older than 35, she will have a higher risk of early delivery since the reproductive organs are not in their best state [4]. Women with a medical history of premature birth, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart and kidney disease may have their babies born sooner than the expected due date.
Besides, first-time parents should pay attention to other impacts, as follows:
- Unhealthy lifestyle: smoking, drinking, and using additives during pregnancy.
- Malnutrition: overconsuming processed foods or failing to meet the recommended amount of daily nutrients over a long period.
- Infections and weakened cervix.
How does being born prematurely affect height?
Prematurity is responsible for the increasing mortality rate of U.S. infants, accounting for 16% in 2022. For the preterm babies that make it into adulthood, they also have more disadvantages in height and weight development.
Attain lower birth weight and height
Do you know that pedestrians have to use a different height and weight chart, known as the Fenton Chart, for preemies to evaluate their maturation precisely? However, being premature does not mean your child’s height will stay behind their peers permanently since stature largely depends on genes, nutrition, and social-environmental influences. They may start slow but eventually tower over their friends in the long run.
Become more vulnerable to stunted growth
To achieve optimal height growth potentials, kids should maintain a balanced diet with protein, vitamins, minerals, fibers, etc. Nevertheless, premature children with weaker immunity and metabolism are more likely to get sick and lose appetite. As a result, they use up their stored energy to support daily activities and have no spare fuel to boost their growth spurts.
Experience the ‘catch-up’ period
When the child enters this golden age, they will grow at a faster rate to reach the average height and weight counts. Normally, they welcome the ‘catch-up’ period at the age of 2, but some may take one or two years longer due to their overall wellness. Instead of rushing babies to grow faster, parents should find ways to improve their living conditions (physically and mentally) and seek professional medical aid if necessary.
How can parents help?
As parents, we should cater to various elements to ensure our children obtain their desirable stature safely and efficiently.
First and foremost, parents with preterm babies should keep track of their growth speed and tendency more frequently. At well-child visits, especially those in their first year, discuss carefully with your doctor about their development traits and provide timely support.
When their height and weight figures align with the average counts, it’s time to give them an extra boost!
Here are what moms and dads can do to help:
Focus on a science-backed diet
No matter how picky your kids are, try incorporating a diverse menu with meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains. The protein in chicken, beef, pork, and fatty fish is ideal for bone formation, whereas other micronutrients like vitamins, probiotics, and minerals aid their overall stamina.
For home-cooked parents, try playing around with seasonal ingredients like pumpkins and squashes for the cold winter or kale, broccoli, peas, and bell peppers for the spring and summer. You should bake, steam, or stew your protein and veggies instead of deep-frying to reduce the excess oil. Initially, avoid consuming leftovers too often since they get spoiled easily, causing food poisoning.
Add dietary supplements
If your little ones are allergic to certain foods or adhere to a strict diet, multivitamin supplements can help fulfill their nutritional needs. Despite the countless choices on the market, take time to research and find the brand that is trustworthy, high-quality, and effective for your child.
We prefer NuBest Nutrition with their NuBest Tall capsules, NuBest Tall Protein Powder, and their latest launch – NuBest Tall Fizzy tablets. These U.S.-based brands have years of manufacturing height growth supplements that support kids and teens worldwide. Besides choosing an FDA-registered factory for manufacture, they ensure their final products meet the highest standards of lab testing and quality control.
Stay consistent with a physical training plan
Lack of physical activities will lead to obesity in early childhood which can affect the final adult height. However, do not quickly jump into those height growth exercising trends without considering your child’s fitness level. Instead, start with stretching poses, skipping, or yoga, and slowly build up the plan.
Keep track of the sleep quality
Sleeping is the key to unlocking peak height for kids and teens because more growth hormones are released during sleep. Encourage your sons and daughters to go to bed before 11 p.m. and have at least 8-10 hours of sleep every night. Plus, parents should limit screen time to reduce the negative effects of blue light from digital devices.
In conclusion,
Prematurity can inhibit development to a certain extent if the babies do not receive enough care and attention from their parents. To make the most of their growing years, parents must contemplate their eating habits, exercise routines, and living environment.
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References:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Preterm birth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-infant-health/preterm-birth/index.html
[2] CE;, D. O. A. M. (n.d.). Lung and brain damage in preterm newborns, and their association with gestational age, prematurity subgroup, infection/inflammation and long term outcome. BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15715586/
[3] WH;, O. (n.d.-a). The impact of breastmilk on Infant and Child Health. Breastfeeding review : professional publication of the Nursing Mothers’ Association of Australia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12592775/
[4] Fuchs, F., Monet, B., Ducruet, T., Chaillet, N., & Audibert, F. (2018, January 31). Effect of maternal age on the risk of preterm birth: A large cohort study. PloS one. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5791955/