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Physiology and nutrition

An introduction to the physiology and nutrition of a preterm and low birthweight infant

  • The goal for feeding preterm babies is to provide a postnatal growth rate that is the same as a normal foetus of the same gestational age1
  • When an infant is in the uterus, they receive both nutrients and fluid via the umbilical cord and placenta.  These nutrients are stored in the foetus in the third trimester of pregnancy; therefore a preterm infant has minimal stores and low body reserves.  This emphasises the importance of appropriate feeding to deliver the correct nutrients to help achieve catch-up growth
  • Preterm infants also have very immature physiology, such as reduced activity of digestive enzymes. They often cannot tolerate feeds by mouth and may need to have total parenteral nutrition to start with
  • Preterm infants have increased requirements for energy, protein, vitamins and minerals for new tissue development and achieving catch-up growth 
  • Preterm infants often receive nutrients in a combination of ways depending on their health and maturity, for example via total parenteral nutrition, a combination of parenteral and minimal enteral feeds, and via full enteral nutrition
References
  1. Hay W.  Strategies for feeding the preterm infant.  Neonatology 2008; 94: 245-254.
  1. Hay W.  Strategies for feeding the preterm infant.  Neonatology 2008; 94: 245-254.

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