One of life’s most delightful events is becoming a parent, but when your kid arrives a few weeks early, it can also raise many questions. Late preterm describes a baby born before reaching a full 37-week gestation period, even if it is only by a few weeks. Though they could seem and behave much like full-term infants, their growth could follow a somewhat different path.
Delayed motor milestones are one of the most concerning issues for parents of late preterm newborns. After about 4 to 5 months, a wide range of complications begin to become more noticeable. However, the good news, though, is that the majority of newborns beautifully catch up with some patience, motivation, and right assistance.
Let’s investigate what that means and how you may help your small one to flourish.
What does “Delayed Milestones” mean for Late Preterm Newborns?
Motor milestones are physical abilities, such as lifting the head, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking, that most children accomplish within a specified age range. For late preterm newborns, these milestones could be achieved later than those of their full-term counterparts. Although this is something to keep an eye on, it does not always indicate a long-term problem.
The development stage is evaluated by physicians using something called “corrected age” or adjusted age. This means they subtract the number of weeks your baby was born early from their chronological age to obtain a more accurate picture of their development and track the growth process effectively.
Common Developmental Differences That May Be Found in Late Preterm Babies
Although every baby grows at their own pace, late preterm babies, born between 34 weeks and 36 weeks, may experience unique developmental phenomena. Here are the common areas in which they may require special attention and care:
Mild Motor Delay
Late preterm infants may reach physical milestones- lifting head, rolling, sitting, or crawling- much later than their full-term counterparts. The delays are usually mild, especially when considering the corrected age (which adjusts the age for the weeks they were born early). In due time, with correction, stimulation, and encouragement through consistent play, many babies catch up with their physical development and have no long-term concerns.
Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)
Hypotonia, another condition found in late preterm babies, means abnormally low level of muscle tone. In such conditions, a baby may feel a bit “floppy” when picked up, or perhaps the baby has difficulty holding certain positions. Hypotonia may act as a barrier to tummy time, essential for strengthening the neck and upper body. With plenty of floor play and extensive support and guidance from a pediatric physical therapist, you can help your child build strength and improve coordination gradually.
Torticollis (Neck Muscle Tightness)
Torticollis, most commonly congenital muscular torticollis, is pretty common in premature babies. It involves the tightening or shortening of one side of one of the neck muscles—usually the sternocleidomastoid. For example, if the right side is tight, the baby’s head will tilt right and then turn left.
This condition may affect the baby’s ability to turn its head evenly and, in turn, create flattening along one side of the head (plagiocephaly), asymmetrical movements, and delays in visual-motor tracking as well.
So, how can parents or caregivers help manage the condition of torticollis at home? It usually comes down to following a few simple steps.
- Soft stretching and positioning activities should be carried out several times a day to help loosen the tight neck muscles.
- Encourage tummy time and playful activities that improve head turning toward the affected side, which will ensure balanced development.
- Parents should seek expert advice from the pediatric physical therapist regarding safe stretches and how to track and monitor the baby’s progress.
Your Role in Supporting the Healthy Growth of Late Preterm Infants
Each late preterm baby is unique, and while delays may happen, responsive care and guided activities can support strong, healthy development. As a parent and caregiver, here are certain things you can do:
- Tummy time, Tummy time, and Tummy time!
Start with short intervals several times each day. This help child to build strength of the neck and shoulder region. Put toys or mirrors in front so they have fun and can be interactive.
- Minimize Use of Swings or Seats
Stop spending too much time in bouncers, car seats, or swings as this hinders their developmental potential. Allow your baby to have as free and independent playtime as possible at home or at the playground on a soft play mat.
- Be Brave to Inquire
If anything feels off, just trust your gut. Seek help from a pediatric physiotherapist who can assess your baby and develop an individualised plan.
Hope Medical Center – A Place of Healing and Growth for Late Preterm Infants
We at Hope Medical Center in Riyadh understand that raising a late preterm infant presents both unusual difficulties and amazing opportunities for their overall development journey. This is why we have one of the best pediatric physiotherapy teams in Riyadh, who are committed to walking with you from the very beginning.
Whether your child needs help with milestone development, raising muscle tone, or managing conditions like torticollis, our experienced therapists collaborate closely with parents and caregivers to create individualized treatment plans catered to their particular needs. We believe early guidance and gentle intervention can make a lasting difference. So, schedule an appointment with our expert therapists today and see how we help your late preterm baby build a strong start in life!
