Growth and development of the infant in neonatal care and the first year of life

While survival of very premature infants has increased in the past 20 years, the potential for significant morbidity continues, including lifelong disabilities (Petty et al, 2018; World Health Organization, 2023a) as well as developmental and behavioural problems later in life (UCL, EPICure study, 2023). Premature birth and dealing with illness and hospitalisation in the early weeks of life can affect the way infants develop in the first year of life, a critical period of brain development. In neonatal care, it is common to see infants born with restricted weight and poor growth trajectories. This chapter covers the range of terminology relating to birth weights, the issue of faltering growth and altered development expectations (Figures 14.1 to 14.3; Tables 14.1 to 14.3), as they apply to the sick and/or premature infant in the first year of life.