Preemie Follow-up

Bringing your premature baby home from the hospital is a time filled with joy and relief as well as questions and anxiety. Your baby still requires special care, which is what you’ll receive with preemie follow-up services with Arun Amaram, MD, and their team at North Dallas Primary Care Doctors. They provide check-ups, screenings, support, and guidance, helping you navigate this new journey. Book your appointment online, call the office in Frisco, Texas, or visit the team in person if you have questions or need help with your preterm newborn.

What is preemie follow-up?

Preemie follow-up is highly specialized care for babies born before 37 weeks of gestation. Follow-up care includes a series of medical and developmental check-ups to monitor your baby’s health, growth, and development. Routine appointments identify and treat any potential problems as early as possible.

Which health concerns are monitored during preemie follow-up?

Premature babies often have serious health concerns because they were born before their organs were ready. The severity of their health problems depends on how early they were born.

Preemies spend enough time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to ensure that they’re stable before going home.

However, some challenges can persist or cause problems after the baby goes home. The experts at North Dallas Primary Care Doctors monitor your baby for common preemie problems, including:

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

Premature babies can develop RDS if their lungs lack a fluid that helps the air sacs stay open.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) 

Fragile, immature lungs are easily irritated, leading to the development of inflammation and scarring.

Apnea of prematurity (AOP)

AOP is a temporary pause in breathing that occurs during sleep.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

An immature retina can develop weak blood vessels that bleed.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

NEC is a condition in which the lining of the intestine becomes inflamed, leading to tissue death.

Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy affects muscle movement and coordination.

Infections

A preemie’s immature immune system opens the door to infections

This list is frightening for parents, but they’re not alone. The compassionate and experienced team at North Dallas Primary Care Doctors is here to support them. They closely monitor the child for problems, provide treatment, and refer parents to specialists when needed.

Which services are provided through preemie follow-up?

Parents and family receive personal support and referrals as needed to early intervention programs, specialists, and therapy services.

Your provider tailors your preemie’s care to meet their needs. But all preemies need many of the same services, including:

• Growth monitoring
• Developmental screenings (for sensory responses, motor skills, and cognitive development)
• Hearing and vision tests
• Neurological assessments
• Respiratory health monitoring
• Immunizations (vaccines)
• Feeding and nutrition guidance
• Preemie care strategies
• Coordination of therapies and interventions

Physical therapy is a vital treatment for premature infants. It’s often started in the NICU and should continue at home.

Early physical therapy helps build neuron connections in the brain, strengthens underdeveloped muscles, helps them adjust to sensory stimuli, and improves breathing and feeding.

Contact North Dallas Primary Care Doctors, book online, or visit the office if you need assistance with your preemie.