enneaegsed

Enneaegsed is the Estonian term for preterm or premature infants, referring to babies born before 37 weeks of gestation. The designation is used in medical and public health literature to distinguish these infants from full-term births and to discuss their specific care needs and outcomes.

Preterm births are commonly categorized by gestational age: extremely preterm (<28 weeks), very preterm (28–32 weeks), and moderate to late preterm (32–37 weeks). The earlier the birth, the higher the risk for complications and long-term health challenges. Risk factors include multiple pregnancy, a history of previous preterm birth, maternal infections, placental problems, cervical insufficiency, maternal hypertension or diabetes, smoking, substance use, and extreme maternal age.

Infants born prematurely face several immediate health concerns due to organ immaturity. Respiratory distress is common because the lungs may lack sufficient surfactant. Other challenges include temperature instability, feeding and growth difficulties, and an increased risk of infections. Potential complications during the neonatal period include bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and patent ductus arteriosus. Long-term outcomes vary with gestational age and the presence of complications, ranging from typical development to neurodevelopmental impairments, motor disorders such as cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, and chronic lung disease.

Management of enneaegsed involves delivery in specialized facilities with access to neonatal intensive care. Treatments may include respiratory support, surfactant therapy, careful nutrition, infection prevention, and meticulous thermoregulation, alongside developmental and family-centered care. Prevention focuses on comprehensive prenatal care, management of maternal health conditions, avoidance of smoking and harmful substances, and, for those at high risk, interventions such as progesterone therapy to reduce recurrent prematurity.