According to the study conducted by Dr. Malika Delobel-Ayoub, from the Research Unit on Perinatal Health and Women's Health in Villejuif, France, and colleagues it is found that pre mature babies develop behavioral problems. Pre mature babies are those which are born several weeks ahead of its gestation date. They develop behavioral problems later in life compared with children who are born at the expected time. Apart from this they also suffer from hyperactivity, conduct problems and peer problems.
The study results are published in the journal Pediatrics. Lung collapse is a major problem faced by such pre mature babies which may be long lasting. The study analysed infants born between 22 and 32 weeks of gestation. They studied 1,228 preterm infants and 447 full-term infants and assessed them for a period of 3 years. After which parents were given Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to answer which would determine the level of behavioral problem in the kids.It was seen that 20% of preterm children and 9 % of term children had behavioral problems. Additional risk factors which contribute to behavioral problems are brain abnormalities which can be detected by ultrasound, young maternal age, low maternal education and poor health.
