Risks For Newborns:
Risks That Threaten Tiny Lives. What Every Parent Needs to Know.

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“No voice is too soft when that voice speaks for others.”
— Janna Cachola

Risks for full-term newborns developing NEC

While Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is most commonly associated with premature infants, it can also affect full-term babies and occurs in about 1 in 10,000 full-term infants. Several factors can contribute to this rare but serious condition. Full-term babies who develop NEC often have experienced complications during birth, such as difficult deliveries, low oxygen levels at birth, or infections that impact their intestines. These factors can make their digestive systems more susceptible to the inflammation and damage caused by NEC.

Babies who are not fed their mother’s breast milk, but instead receive formula, are often at a higher risk for NEC. Human milk contains vital immune-boosting substances, such as antibodies and beneficial bacteria. These help the body fight infections more effectively and support the development of a healthy gut. Additionally, human milk plays a crucial role in the maturation of the baby’s cells, making it more likely that their digestive system will develop properly and handle the challenges of birth and early life. Unfortunately, when babies are fed formula, especially in the early stages, they miss out on these protective benefits. This can increase their vulnerability to conditions like NEC.

Risks for preemies developing NEC

First, what is a premature birth?
A premature birth is a baby that is born too early, before the 37th week of pregnancy. Typically, a normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. Premature babies often have health problems. The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of health challenges.

  • Late preterm: born between 34-36 weeks of pregnancy
  • Moderately preterm: born between 32-34 weeks of pregnancy
  • Very preterm: born between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy
  • Extremely preterm: born before 28 weeks of pregnancy

  • Breathing problems
  • Heart problems
  • Brain problems
  • Temperature control problems
  • Digestive problems
  • Blood problems
  • Metabolism problems
  • Immune system problems

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Trouble learning
  • Vision problems
  • Hearing problems
  • Dental problems
  • Behavior and mental health problems
  • Ongoing health issues

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-birth/symptoms-causes/syc-20376730

Premature infants are at the highest risk of developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), with this condition affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 premature babies. Several factors contribute to this increased risk, tied closely to their underdeveloped systems and unique vulnerabilities:

Premature babies are born before their digestive and immune systems have fully matured. Their intestines are particularly fragile, making it difficult to fight off harmful bacteria. This immaturity can lead to inflammation, infection, and, in severe cases, the death of intestinal tissue.

Premature babies often experience reduced oxygen levels or poor blood circulation, especially during difficult or emergency deliveries. This can deprive their intestines of the nutrients and oxygen needed for healthy development, increasing their susceptibility to NEC.

Research shows that feeding premature infants cow-based formulas significantly increases their risk of developing NEC compared to breastfed babies. Unlike human breast milk, formula lacks essential antibodies, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria that support gut health and boost the immune system. The introduction of cow’s milk proteins can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection.

Premature infants are often fed through enteral nutrition, where a feeding tube delivers milk directly to the stomach. While essential for their survival, this method can sometimes increase pressure on their fragile digestive systems, making them more vulnerable to NEC.

Babies born weighing less than 5 ½ pounds face a heightened risk of NEC, as their overall development and immune responses are less robust than those of heavier infants.

Breast milk is one of the most effective protective factors for premature babies. It contains immune-boosting components, such as antibodies, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria, that help reduce inflammation, promote gut health, and lower the risk of NEC. For mothers who are unable to breastfeed, donor milk can provide these vital benefits.

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