The Escapade

As a result they need significant assistance to transition from fetal to newborn life. RDS typically gets worse over the first 2 to 3 days. Premature Babies Lungs Molly S Capstone Project Even after these babies lungs have matured to where they can leave the NICU and go home they still require attentive follow-up care. Underdeveloped lungs in premature babies . Its also known as infant respiratory distress syndrome hyaline membrane disease or surfactant deficiency lung disease. The baby tries very hard to breathe but the lungs just arent able to work properly to get the air exchange needed. Most infants who have BPD have had respiratory distress syndrome and needed treatment with a ventilator. Most often a low level of surfactant leads to a condition called respiratory distress syndrome RDS especially premature babies. Their lungs are particularly delicate. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia BPD is a term used to describe long-term breathing problems for premature babies.