Welcome to Ask Our Expert, Putra Medical Centre (PMC)’s health education series featuring our trusted specialists who share factual, evidence-based insights to help families make informed health choices.
Today, we speak with Resident Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Lee Beng Suan at Putra Medical Centre (PMC). With extensive experience in neonatal and child health, Dr. Lee has guided many families through the unique journey of premature birth, from the early days in the neonatal unit to a thriving childhood.
Understanding Life As A Preemie
Every baby’s first breath is precious, but for those born prematurely, that breath often comes a little sooner than expected. A premature baby (preemie) is one born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These infants may be smaller and require additional medical attention as their organs, especially the lungs, brain, and digestive system, continue to develop.
Key facts:
- According to the World Health Organization (2024), prematurity is among the leading causes of newborn complications worldwide.
- Premature babies may face early challenges such as feeding difficulties, breathing problems, or temperature instability.
- With modern neonatal care, more than 90% of preemies survive and thrive when supported with appropriate medical and developmental care.
Q&A with Dr. Lee Beng Suan
Q: Dr. Lee, what are the common reasons a baby might be born prematurely?
Dr. Lee: Premature birth can happen for many reasons, sometimes due to maternal health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or infections; other times, no clear cause is identified. Multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets), high stress, and smoking during pregnancy can also increase the risk. What matters most is early and consistent prenatal care to detect and manage potential issues before delivery.
Q: What are the biggest challenges preemies face after birth?
Dr. Lee: Premature babies often have immature lungs, which can make breathing difficult and may require oxygen or ventilator support. They also face challenges maintaining body temperature and feeding, since their sucking and swallowing reflexes are not yet fully developed. Because of this, many preemies spend their first few weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for specialised monitoring and support.
Q: How can parents help their premature babies grow stronger?
Dr. Lee: Parental involvement is vital. I encourage skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care). It helps regulate the baby’s temperature, promotes bonding, and supports emotional well-being for parents and infants alike.
At home, parents can focus on:
- Providing exclusive breastfeeding (or expressed breast milk) for at least six months.
- Ensuring regular growth and developmental check-ups.
- Keeping up with recommended vaccinations, as preemies are more vulnerable to infections.
- Avoiding crowded or unwell environments during the baby’s early months.
Q: When should parents be concerned about their preemie’s development?
Dr. Lee: Each preemie grows at their own pace. We often use the “corrected age” (based on the expected due date, not the birth date) to track development. If your baby has persistent feeding issues, slow weight gain, delayed motor milestones, or limited eye contact beyond their corrected age, it is best to see a paediatrician for assessment and early intervention.
Q: What reassurance can you offer to parents of preemies?
Dr. Lee: It is completely natural to feel anxious, but most premature babies catch up very well with time, patience, and proper follow-up. With advances in neonatal care and supportive parenting, being born early does not mean your child will always be behind. It simply means their journey begins a little differently.
Growing Strong with Putra Medical Centre (PMC)
At Putra Medical Centre (PMC), our neonatal and paediatric teams work closely to support premature infants and their families through every stage, from NICU care and developmental monitoring to nutrition and vaccination guidance. Our focus is to ensure that each baby has the healthiest possible start in life, because at PMC, life is precious.
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider for personal concerns. If you experience urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or call 999.
