Intravenous heamorrhage fluid. Process!

Infants born more than 10 weeks early are at highest risk for this type of bleeding. The smaller and more premature an infant is, the higher the risk for IVH. This is because blood vessels in the brain of premature infants are not yet fully developed. They are very fragile as a result. The blood vessels grow stronger in the last 10 weeks of pregnancy. IVH is more common in premature babies with: Respiratory distress syndromeUnstable blood pressureOther medical conditions at birth The problem may also occur in otherwise healthy babies who were born early. Rarely, IVH may develop in full-term babies. IVH is rarely present at birth. It occurs most often in the first several days of life. The condition is rare after the first month of age, even if the baby was born early. There are four types of IVH. These are called "grades" and are based on the degree of bleeding. Grades 1 and 2 involve a smaller amount of bleeding. Most of the time, there are no long term problems as a result of the bleeding. Grade 1 is also referred to as germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH).Grades 3 and 4 involve more severe bleeding. The blood presses on (grade 3) or directly involves (grade 4) brain tissue. Grade 4 is also called an intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Blood clots can form and block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This can lead to increased fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus).

Compliance and repeated follow up with your pediatric neurologist required. Record head circumference at each visit.

How well the infant does depends on how premature the baby is and the grade of the hemorrhage. Less than half of babies with lower-grade bleeding have long term problems. However, severe bleeding often leads to developmental delays and problems controlling movement.