Preemies & broken bones

hollerjeepgirl

Do preemies have a higher chance of their bones breaking more easily? I'm asking b/c I saw that after 32 weeks their bones start ossifying but before then they're more delicate. It popped in my head and now I can't stop thinking about it

witt0198

I'm not sure about the bones breaking more easily, but I do know that Evan had a physical therapist working with him in NICU. She taught us joint compression excercises to do with him that we did well after he came home. She said he was at risk for osteopenia of prematureity. She explained it that it's difficult to get the required levels of calcium and phosphorus through the formula, and that not bein inside and kicking on the uterus causes a lack of weight bearing excercise for the baby. Probably similar to what you're talking about. I'm guessing being at risk for osteopenia of prematurity doesn't mean all preemies born that early get it though. We haven't had any problems, and were told he didn't have signs of it and not to worry about it.

hollerjeepgirl

witt0198:

I'm not sure about the bones breaking more easily, but I do know that Evan had a physical therapist working with him in NICU. She taught us joint compression excercises to do with him that we did well after he came home. She said he was at risk for osteopenia of prematureity. She explained it that it's difficult to get the required levels of calcium and phosphorus through the formula, and that not bein inside and kicking on the uterus causes a lack of weight bearing excercise for the baby. Probably similar to what you're talking about. I'm guessing being at risk for osteopenia of prematurity doesn't mean all preemies born that early get it though. We haven't had any problems, and were told he didn't have signs of it and not to worry about it.

That helps out a lot. I don't know why I'm asking, I haven't had DS yet but I want to be prepared. I'm taking calcium supplements now so I hope that helps before I get to 34 weeks

thomas2013

I don't know the stats but my son is almost 3 and was born at 26 weeks and he is all boy ruff and tumble and has yet to break any bones! (fingers crossed) I think him being a preemie and going through every at such an ealry stage in life he is actually alot more tuff.