Neuroprotective Care of Extremely Preterm Infants in the First 72 Hours After Birth

Abstract

Birth at extremely low gestational ages presents a significant threat to infants’ survival, health, development, and future well-being. After birth, a critical period of brain development must continue outside the womb. Neuro-supportive and neuroprotective family centered developmental care for and standardized care practices for extremely preterm infants have been shown to improve outcomes. Neuroprotective interventions must include a focus on the emotional connections of infants and their families. Being in skin-to-skin contact with the mother is the developmentally expected environment for all mammals and is especially important for supporting physiologic stability and neurodevelopment of preterm infants.