In 2016, over 19,000 children were born preterm in Romania, having birth weights of between 500 g (or less) and 2,500 g, coming into the world between Weeks 28-37. In their struggle for life, they often needed prolonged hospitalisation.
It is said that preterm babies recuperate birth defects by the age of 2, but these theories are false. A preterm child needs to be evaluated, monitored and consistently intervened upon his or her evolution to prevent the problems associated with a preterm birth that occur during their development.
Preterm or long-hospitalised babies need medical monitoring and assessment after discharge at each stage of their development. It is recommended that the babies be examined periodically by a neonatologist and/or paediatrician, then further referred to neuro-motor, psycho-cognitive and ophthalmological examinations, etc.