DEVELOPMENT
29-31 WEEKS’ GESTATION
Congratulations on the birth of your baby!! Your baby now has two birthdays!!! One is the baby’s age in weeks (calendar age) and the other is the length of your pregnancy (gestational age). This is known as the baby’s “corrected age.”
Corrected age is the Calendar age + Gestational age. If a baby is born at 28 weeks’ gestation and is six (6) weeks old, we expect the baby to act like a baby who was born today at 34 weeks.
We look at the baby’s “corrected age” for growth and development until the baby is 2 years old.
Baby’s appearance:
1. Their skin is thin with visible veins over the abdomen.
2. They have eyelashes and eyebrows.
3. Their ears are flat and soft. They stay folded when pressed against the head.
4. Their feet are smooth with no creases (wrinkles).
Baby’s abilities:
1. They may experience apnea and color changes with stress but their heart rate and breathing are beginning to stabilize (even out).
2. Muscle tone in their lower extremities has improved.
3. They stay awake more but only for short periods (try to visit during these times)
4. They are able to fix their eyes on an object (such as your face).
5. Sucking on a pacifier may soothe or quiet them.
6. They will quiet to a new sound or visual stimulation.
What can I do?: Always talk with your baby’s nurse first.
1. Use blankets to keep the baby in a flexed position on their side or tummy when in their bed/isolette in the NICU.
2. Protect them from noise and bright lights.
a. Keep a cover over the isolette
b. Talk quietly around the baby.
3. “Cluster their care.”
a. We have certain limited times when we provide care and move or handle the baby
b. We allow the baby to sleep for long periods. During these times, please sit quietly by their bedside and look at the baby but don’t disturb them.
4. Their skin is still fragile and sensitive.
a. Please limit the amount of handling, touching and moving the baby
b. Hold onto their hand or allow them to hold your finger. Please do not stroke or rub their head, back or chest.
5. Offer a pacifier if they’re crying, are restless, and during tube feedings.
6. When holding the baby, hold them so they can look directly at your face.
7. Play soft music or tapes of your voice.
8. Add black and white signs or pictures of you & the family to their environment
9. Get to know your baby.
a. Learn his personality, her response to stress.
10. Get plenty of rest and sleep yourself.
11. If you wish to breastfeed, pump and bring in your breast milk.
Reviewed/Revised
10/98, 03/01, 2/03, 6/05, 8/07, 1/10
Development 29-31 weeks 2