“Is anemia in preterm babies normal?”
My baby was a preterm birth during the 8 month of my pregnancy. While we are now back home, the doctor has asked me to be on guard because my child is anemic. Is this normal in preterm babies or is it something to be worried about?
5 Answers
Yes it can be normal. Michael L Spear, MD, MSEdl Faculty Advisor, Honor Board Professor of Pediatrics Drexel University College of Medicine
Anemia is normal early on. It should come up by 10 mon Td had if age.
Preterm infants have more severe anemia and earlier anemia than term infants. Some pediatricians would start iron supplements earlier for that reason.
Anemia in preterm babies is not unusual, The reasons are plenty, but baby should do well as long as baby is on iron orally and the hemoglobin/hematocrit is being monitored in addition to frequent clinical check ups.
It is normal. Observe feedings and respiratory pattern.
