I was born just over six weeks premature, which led to early physical complications and some learning difficulties growing up. When I was born, I had several problems - such as difficulty digesting certain foods, incredibly underweight, and difficulty regulating temperature (I passed out numerous times from being to cold - and almost died from hyperthermia, with a temperature of 42Β°C / 107.6Β°F).
In the ultrasounds, I was supposed to be a dwarf with an incredibly large nose, as a result of being born so early, but my parents prayed about it and my mother physically felt me growing overnight. In only 24 - 48 hours, my head circumference had almost doubled in size and I had no signs of major physical deformities, even though just a few days prior the results differed.
Over time, Iβve recovered from the physical symptoms, and today Iβm rather normal physically. But Iβm aware that my outcome could've been much worse. Many people born prematurely deal with lasting physical or neurological challenges, and most people don't recover.
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Premature birth interrupts critical stages of brain development.
Effects include:
That said, many people catch up significantly over time, but many do not.
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These are usually most noticeable early in life but can have longer term effects.
Effects from birth:
Long term effects:
Effects:
People born prematurely also have increased risks of:
With all this being said, the severity depends on how premature an individual is born - with obviously the earlier, the worse the case generally is.
@InvoluntaryChigga @deleted dude @TheGrayWolf @poorenglishcel
In the ultrasounds, I was supposed to be a dwarf with an incredibly large nose, as a result of being born so early, but my parents prayed about it and my mother physically felt me growing overnight. In only 24 - 48 hours, my head circumference had almost doubled in size and I had no signs of major physical deformities, even though just a few days prior the results differed.
Over time, Iβve recovered from the physical symptoms, and today Iβm rather normal physically. But Iβm aware that my outcome could've been much worse. Many people born prematurely deal with lasting physical or neurological challenges, and most people don't recover.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Brain and Cognitive Development
Premature birth interrupts critical stages of brain development.
Effects include:
- Learning difficulties (especially with processing speeds which is struggle with)
- Memory and executive functioning challenges (planning, focus, organisation)
- An increased risk of developmental delays early in life
That said, many people catch up significantly over time, but many do not.
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Physical and Medical Issues
These are usually most noticeable early in life but can have longer term effects.
Effects from birth:
- Breathing problems (underdeveloped lungs)
- Digestion issues
- Low birth weight
- Difficulty regulating temperature
Long term effects:
- Asthma or reduced lung capacity
- Vision or hearing problems
- Motor coordination issues
Growth and Physical Development
Effects:
- Smaller size in infancy and childhood
- Delayed physical milestones (walking, coordination)
- Long term growth differences
Mental Health and Emotional Impact
People born prematurely also have increased risks of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Social difficulties
- Lower confidence (especially due to physical differences - as well as mental differences)
With all this being said, the severity depends on how premature an individual is born - with obviously the earlier, the worse the case generally is.
@InvoluntaryChigga @deleted dude @TheGrayWolf @poorenglishcel
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