How long will needs last?

Most pre-term babies eventually catch up with other children with regard to growth and development during childhood. Survival has improved dramatically, and the focus of management is now to reduce long-term disabilities, especially brain injury. Some of the complications related to prematurity may not be apparent until years after the birth. As previously indicated, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, disorders of psychological development and behaviour, hearing and visual problems may result from prematurity. High risk infants are followed up closely in outpatient clinic and some are screened for potential problems such as hearing difficulties. Studies have shown that the risks of disabilities are higher in the smallest and most immature babies.

It is not possible to give generalisations on the duration of needs. This will depend entirely on the particular disability or disabilities for which the child has care and/or mobility needs.