Risk Of Implementation Disorders In Premature Babies

Illustration of premature babies. (ANTARA/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Implementation of premature babies has a significant difference compared to babies for a month. According to Pediatrician from the University of Indonesia Dr. dr. Ariani Dewi Widodo, Sp.A (K), premature birth babies tend to experience digestive disorders.

"The function of motility, which is tasked with moving food through the digestive tract, is not ripe. As a result, digestion have become slower and less efficient," said RSIA Bunda Jakarta Pediatrician (Consumen Gastroenterology - Hepatology), Ariani, during a media meeting to commemorate 'World Prematurity Day' in Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

In addition, the digestive enzymes that play a role in the absorption of nutrients have not been produced adequately, so that the absorption of nutrients is not optimal. Premature babies also have very thin gut barriers', making them susceptible to infection and allergies.

Furthermore, he explained that immature digestive function makes premature babies susceptible to GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflect Disease).

GERD occurs when food and stomach acid rise back into the concavity because the connecting muscles between the stomach and the concavity are not perfect.

"This is often marked by vomiting, excessive defamation, or fussy babies after breastfeeding. If left unchecked, GERD can interfere with the baby's growth, cause esophagus irritation, and even respiratory problems," said Dr. Aryani.

Implementation of the digestive tract also increases the risk of malnutrition, because inefficient absorption of nutrients can cause the baby's weight to be difficult to rise, development delays, and disorders of the brain.

Another common problem experienced in premature babies is cow's milk allergies, because the intestinal wall is not ripe, large protein from cow's milk can penetrate the intestines and trigger allergic reactions, with symptoms that include diarrhea, vomiting, or rashes on the skin.

Therefore, Doctor Ariani recommends breastfeeding as the best solution, because natural breast milk is easy to digest, contains antibodies, and the risk of allergies is very low. Breast milk also helps develop gut barriers' and protects babies from infection.