How COVID-19 Affected Premature Babies' Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the growth of premature babies. These tiny newborns, born earlier than expected, already face higher risks of sickness and death. A study from a health service in Carapicuíba, São Paulo, between 2020 and 2023, shed light on how this global health crisis made things even tougher for them. Nutritional deficits, a major factor influencing a child's growth, became a bigger problem during the pandemic. Premature babies often struggle with their growth because they miss out on key nutrients in the womb. The pandemic made matters worse. Lockdowns and disruptions in health services meant that these babies didn't always get the care and nutrition they needed.The study showed that the pandemic created hurdles for both babies and their families. Parents had to navigate new challenges, like restricted access to hospitals and clinics. This made it harder for them to monitor their babies' growth and get the support they needed. It's crucial to understand how major events like the pandemic affect the most vulnerable among us. This helps us prepare better for the future. We need to ensure that health services are ready to deal with any crisis, so that premature babies can get the best care possible.