children s health issues
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis
In addition to Preterm (Premature) Newborns , other risk factors include Prolonged rupture of the membranes (the mother's water breaks more than 12 hours before labor begins): The leaking amniotic fluid can lead to an infection in the fetus. Disturbance of the bacteria that live in the digestive system: Treatment with antibiotics or acid-suppressing medications can encourage growth of potentially harmful bacteria that may penetrate the intestine. Birth Asphyxia : This disorder involves a decrease in blood flow to the newborn's tissues or a decrease in oxygen in the newborn's blood before, during, or just after delivery. Overview of Heart Defects (congenital heart disease): Birth defects of the heart may affect the way blood flows or affect the levels of oxygen in the blood. Anemia in the Newborn (low number of red blood cells): In anemia, it can be difficult for a newborn's blood to carry an adequate supply of oxygen. Exchange transfusion : During this procedure, the newborn's blood is removed and replaced, which may affect blood flow to the organs. Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Newborns (SGA) Formula feeding: Breast milk contains substances that help protect the walls of the digestive tract that formulas do not have. 