Will my baby be OK?
This question is asked by all parents. It is difficult to predict how well a
baby will do but most recover from their illnesses and go on to do well. No guarantees
can ever be given but staff will be honest and open when answering questions
regarding a baby’s outcome. We can give you figures for what has happened in
the unit over the last few years but this is only a guide to how things may go
for your baby.
Outcome for babies delivered in the neonatal unit in Edinburgh
Most babies who need admission to the neonatal unit do well. The
length of time that a baby is in the unit will depend on the problems he
has.
The term baby
There are many reasons why term babies may need to be admitted
to the neonatal unit. For most of these babies their stay is at most a few
days, although how well they do will depend on the reason for admission.
The baby born prematurely
As a general rule, a preterm baby will usually go home just
before his expected date of delivery. There are however many exceptions
and some babies stay in the unit for several months. A baby's organs are
all formed very early on, but it is during the second half of the pregnancy
that major organs such as the brain, lungs, heart and intestines mature and
prepare for life in the 'outside world'. The earlier a baby is born the less
mature and prepared his organs will be to cope with life outside his
mother.
Below are some figures on the outcome for babies who have been treated in
our neonatal unit over the past 3 years. When we talk about outcome we mean two
things:
- How many of the babies survive ?
- How many babies are left with some long term problem (handicap) ?
Survival
|
Gestation of baby at birth (weeks) |
Survival |
|
if a baby is born at 23 weeks, the chance of survival is |
37% |
|
if a baby is born at 24 weeks, the chance of survival is |
76%
|
|
if a baby is born at 25 weeks, the chance of survival is |
79% |
|
if a baby is born at 26 weeks, the chance of survival is |
74% |
|
if a baby is born at 27 weeks, the chance of survival is |
90% |
| if a baby is born at 28 weeks, the chance of survival is |
88% |
|
if a baby is born between 29-32 wks, the chance of survival is |
96% |
|
if a baby is born between 32-36 wks, the chance of survival is
|
97%
|
Follow up of those who survive
Many of the babies discharged from the neonatal unit are seen regularly
in the outpatient clinic. Their progress is carefully monitored.
The table below gives a guide to the number of babies, discharged home from
the neonatal unit, who are normal at 2 years of age.
|
Gestation of baby at birth (weeks) |
Normal at
2 years |
|
babies born 23 - 25 wks, chance of being normal at 2 years is
|
69% |
|
babies born 26 - 28 wks, chance of being normal at 2 years is |
80% |
|
babies born 29 - 32 wks, chance of being normal at 2 years is |
82% |
Those who are not 'normal' could have a number of different problems.
In many cases the problems are mild, such as chest problems or the need to wear
glasses. In a few however there are more serious problems, such as cerebral
palsy.
|
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