Growth Patterns for Pre-Term Infants

Pre-term infant can be defined as "Infant born before completion of 37 weeks of gestation or less than 259 days from the first day of last menstrual period of female.

WHO data shows that every year an estimated 15 millions infants are born Pre-term.

Complications that arise from Pre-term births are main reason for deaths.

Targeted growth for Pre-term Infants :

Increase in weight : 10-20g/kg/day
Increase in length : 1cm/week
Increase in head circumference: 0.9cm/week

However initially in first week of life, Pre-term Infants loose nearly 10./.-20./.of birth weight but this is a temporary phase and weight will be regained with in two weeks.

Estimation of growth patterns in Pre-term Infants:

It can be done by following methods:

1. Increase of weight gain in g/kg/day over 7 days period.
   (or)
2. Marking the weight, length and head circumference on specified growth charts.

Working as a Pediatrician bring Joys to my life when I see my patients improving.

Dr Muhammad Farooq Haider
Principal QIMS
HOD Pediatrics Medicine, QMC

By: Qaisrani