Normally, babies born at the womb age around 39-41 weeks. However, some babies may be born sooner, ie at the womb age less than 37 weeks. Well, this is what is called premature birth.
Because born early, premature babies certainly have smaller weights and lengths than normal babies. The development of his organs is not mature enough than a normal baby. Therefore, the growth and development of premature babies may be somewhat different from normal babies. That way, it is important for you to adjust the age of premature babies with the actual age (age of correction).
Calculate the age of premature babies
Calculating the age of premature babies is actually important for monitoring the growth and development of babies according to their age, which is different from normal babies. Your baby who is born prematurely may have a slightly late growth and development than a normal baby born on the same day. However, you don't need to worry because this is normal. You must consider the age of correction in premature babies.
Calculating the age of correction in premature babies is not difficult. You can try counting it yourself at home. First, start by calculating your baby's age from birth (in weeks) Then, reduce the age by the number of weeks less if the baby is born normal.
For example, your baby is born at 34 weeks' gestation, so your baby is still less than 6 weeks (from 40 weeks) to be able to be born quite a month. If your baby is now 6 months old (24 weeks), then your baby's age is actually 24 weeks - 6 weeks = 18 weeks or 4.5 months.
Why do we need to adjust the age of premature babies?
The growth and development of premature babies is usually delayed compared to babies born at term of the same age. This certainly makes you as a parent feel worried. However, this is actually a natural thing.
In addition, because the development and growth of the baby are certain to be different between individuals, premature babies are also born first so he needs to catch up with his development while still in the womb. When babies are born earlier than they should, the brain and nervous system are not well developed or mature enough than the term babies of the same age.
By calculating the actual age of premature babies, this can help you in assessing the development and growth of premature babies who should (which is certainly different from normal babies). That way, you will not worry too much about the development of your baby (which you may think is too late compared to the term baby).
You only need to adjust the age of the child with the actual age to the child aged 2-2.5 years. Why? Because usually at this age children can quickly catch up. Thus, the growth and development of children at this age will eventually emulate children who are born quite a month. With a note, the child's environment, such as nutrition and stimulation of children is well fulfilled.