Monitoring your preterm baby's growth 

A ‘preterm baby’ is a term used for any baby born before the end of 37 weeks of pregnancy. Extremely preterm babies may be born as early as 23 weeks of pregnancy. The term, chronological age refers to the actual age of your baby (the time since its birth). Corrected age is a term often used in hospital and is the age your baby would be if they were born on their due date. Usually corrected age is used to compare developmental milestones and growth until two years of age while chronological age is used for immunisations.

How do I monitor my preterm baby’s growth?

It is a good idea to have your baby weighed weekly for the first four to six weeks once you go home from hospital. After that, if your baby is growing well, you can weigh less often. Weights can be done at your local child health centre, pharmacy, general practitioner or dietitian. Ideally, it is best to go on the same day each week and to use the same scales each time. Naked weights are optimal but if you can’t then a clean dry nappy and the same clothes each time e.g. a singlet is alright.

Length and head circumference measures are also useful every two to four weeks to check that growth is proportional. The dietitian, doctor or child health nurse will usually plot your baby's growth on a Growth Chart. Remember to plot for corrected age until two years, not actual age. You can find more information here.

What is the best way to feed my preterm baby?

It is not unusual for babies to be discharged within days of stopping fortified breast milk or preterm formula. Most babies will adapt to this reduction in calories by increasing the volume they demand during breast or bottle feeding—this adjustment can take several days to a week. It is also important to remember that in the hospital nursery, your baby was given a very specific amount of food at every feed, so it takes some time to get used to being able to demand as much as they want.

When should I seek expert advice?

Your baby’s growth may falter for a week or so while they get used to receiving breast milk and demanding bigger volumes; however, if their weight gain remains slow and is under the minimum recommended for a period any longer than two weeks in a row, seek advice from a dietitian. A good rule of thumb is:

  • 150g/week 0 to 3 months corrected age 
  • 100g/week for 3 to 6 months corrected age

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For urgent assessment at any stage of your pregnancy, please present to your nearest emergency centre or Mater Mothers’ 24/7 Pregnancy Assessment Centre in South Brisbane.

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