Kids' Health Preemie Health Issues Premature Babies and Edema By Cheryl Bird, RN, BSN Cheryl Bird, RN, BSN, is a registered nurse in a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Learn about our editorial process Cheryl Bird, RN, BSN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Sarah Rahal, MD on January 22, 2020 linkedin Sarah Rahal, MD, is a double board-certified adult and pediatric neurologist and headache medicine specialist. Learn about our Medical Review Board Sarah Rahal, MD on January 22, 2020 Print Edema is bodily swelling caused by fluid leaving the bloodstream and traveling into the tissues. Edema is common in premature babies, whose urinary and circulatory systems are not fully developed. Preemies have a higher water content than full-term babies and the regular routine of administering fluids in the NICU may contribute to edema. Infants have a slower red blood cell production, because of this the red cell breakdown may be faster than their ability to produce new red blood cells. This production is driven by the hormone EPO. A lack of circulation around organs and lymphatic glands can also make it difficult for your preemie's body to remove excess fluid. Because of this, if your child is premature, they will generally need help expelling fluids. Science Photo Library / Getty Images Types and Symptoms of Edema Edema may be mild, causing swelling in the feet or legs, or severe, causing such widespread swelling that the body’s organs are overwhelmed. Severe edema may be caused by other conditions that need to be treated in order to reduce the edema. Because infants are often lying flat, edema may settle in dependent areas or is more diffused. It can also settle in the genitalia. Medications may be given to help the baby pass urine, reducing the amount of fluid in the body. Treating Edema If your child was born premature, the NICU will most likely give them diuretics to help them release fluid. Furosemide is a common treatment for swelling in preemies. These treatments are generally there to help your baby along as the underlying cause of their edema will improve as they grow stronger and more self-sufficient. Blood transfusions may also be given to help improve your child's blood flow. The dosage and amount of time your baby's edema treatment will take depends heavily on their age, organ function, ability to breathe on their own, and blood circulation. The age and size of your baby will also be accounted for in their treatment plan. Treatment lasts as long as is required for your child's bodily functions. As your child becomes more physiologic mature, treatment will no longer be necessary. Once You're Home While some conditions can have long-term side effects, your baby can make a full recovery from edema once it is treated. There are no known long-term health effects related to having edema. If you suspect edema through the symptoms mentioned above along with difficulty breathing or tightness in your child's chest, call 911 immediately. It's very important to keep a watchful eye on your preemie. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit