Factores de riesgo y complicaciones en niños prematuros tardíos

Abstract

Background: Preterm labor is defined as the process in which uterine contractions occur after the 20th week of pregnancy until the 37th week; it can be caused by a variety of mother's factors and by external aspects; this is a problem that commonly occurs due to the insufficient information from patients. Objective: To conduct a bibliographic review of risk factors and complications in late preterm infants. Methodology: A bibliographic review was performed of scientific articles and documents about factors that may represent a risk and complications that may occur in late preterm infants. Also, scientific digital bases and virtual libraries were used. Results: Among the leading causes are very short or late intergenesic intervals, problems in the fetus formation, anatomical alterations of the uterus, recurrent urinary infections, or amount variations of amniotic fluid, and poor quality of maternal life. Main complications include respiratory problems, underdeveloped organs, alterations at the mental level, and low life expectancy. Conclusions: A correct understanding of proper lifestyles, preventable risk factors, and possible warning signs can reduce the number of preterm laborers and thus diminish the possible organic and functional complications in newborns.