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Premature babies often have underdeveloped lungs, leading to serious breathing problems, and may need oxygen support or prolonged neonatal intensive care
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Many preterm infants cannot suck or swallow effectively, thus leading to difficulty gaining weight. Feeding tubes or specialised nutritional support may be given
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Brain injury in premature babies may result in cerebral palsy, affecting movement, coordination, posture, and long-term physical independence throughout life
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Children born too soon may face delayed milestones in speech or movement, and often need therapy for this
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Incomplete eye development may cause retinopathy of prematurity, which can significantly increase the risk of impaired vision or blindness
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Preterm babies face higher hearing loss risk due to infections, or immature auditory systems, which can affect learning abilities.
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Premature babies often lack adequate body fat, and may struggle to maintain body temperature, thus becoming vulnerable to hypothermia
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Weak immune systems make premature babies prone to frequent, and sometimes life-threatening infections that may need constant hospital monitoring
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Parents often experience severe anxiety, guilt, and depression while coping with prolonged hospital stays
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Extended neonatal intensive care, follow-up visits, therapies, and treatments may often create financial strain for families of preterm babies