It is not just medicine. Affection may be the most important treatment for premature babies

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Oulu in Finland revealed that warm emotional interaction between parents and premature infant may contribute significantly to reducing the negative effects associated with premature birth, whether on the psychological, behavioral or cognitive level.

The study was published in a magazine Developmental Medicine & Child NeurologyShe pointed out that tender care and early interaction with the child represent an important factor that can mitigate the risks faced by children born before the thirty-seventh week of pregnancy.

Premature birth and its complications

In addition to the health problems that may accompany premature birth, premature babies face a higher risk of developing emotional and behavioral disorders compared to babies born on time. Researchers even point out the existence of what is known as the “behavioral pattern of premature babies.”

The study shows that children born in the very early stages of pregnancy are up to four times more likely to suffer from anxiety, in addition to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as poor attention, difficulty in social interaction, and the inability to regulate emotions, which are problems that may continue into adolescence and adulthood.

Researchers attribute these effects to incomplete development of the nervous system, in addition to other factors related to postpartum medical care, such as feeding in incubators and the use of certain medications.

Analyzing data on thousands of children

The study was based on data analysis 2469 mothers and their children From seven population cohorts in five European countries, including children born between 1980 and 2014.

The researchers took into account many factors that may affect the results, such as the gestational age at birth, the child’s weight and sex, health status, the educational level of the mother, and the psychological state of the family.

The children’s behavioral and emotional problems were also assessed through questionnaires and school records, in addition to measuring cognitive and linguistic abilities using approved scientific tests.

A clear effect of emotional interaction

The results showed that children who were born very early and had a low level of emotional interaction with their mothers had higher rates of behavioral and emotional problems than children who were born on time.

This relationship remained even after accounting for various influencing factors, indicating that gestational age at birth and the quality of emotional interaction with parents are among the most important factors influencing the child’s development.

The study also showed that all children, whether premature or born on time, benefited from tender care and positive interaction, which confirms that the role of the father is no less important than the role of the mother in supporting the child’s psychological and emotional development.

Benefits extend to cognition and language

Although children born prematurely scored lower on tests of cognition and language than their peers, positive interaction from parents was associated with a clear improvement in cognitive abilities, language development, and increased vocabulary.

Supportive care has also been associated with improved neurodevelopment and a reduced risk of developing some disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Recommendations for parents and medical personnel

The researchers concluded that improving the emotional environment in the first years of a child’s life can positively change the course of his development, even if he faces health challenges such as premature birth.

The study called on doctors and health sector workers to encourage parents to enhance emotional communication with their children, especially premature babies, stressing that daily attention and affectionate interaction do not limit themselves to the psychological aspect, but also reflect on the child’s cognitive, linguistic and neurological development in the long term.