Immature respiratory system

Premature babies have irregular breathing and need constant medical care.

Their lungs are underdeveloped and don’t secrete the substance called surfactant that aids the function of their lung tissue (this normally develops during the 8th month of pregnancy).

There are two types of treatment to help regulate the breathing: if there is a risk of premature birth for whatever reason, corticoid injections for the mother, or artificial surfactant administered to the baby’s lungs after birth.