Abstract

LINHARES, Maria Beatriz Martins et al. Preterm and low birthweight as a risk for the development of children. Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto) [online]. 2000, vol.10, n.18, pp. 60-69. ISSN 0103-863X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-863X2000000100006.

The aim of the present study consisted of assessing the impact of extremely pre-term low birthweight (<1500g). It was studied two samples of subjects: one of pre-term newborn mothers (with very low weight committed on ICU-Neonatal of HCFMRP-USP) and other made up of 34 children from eight to ten years old that were born pre-term and with <1500g of weight and 20 children born full term and with >2500g. Early effects of prematurity were identified through analysis of mothers verbalizations' content in 20 group support sessions during the babies' commitment on ICU. School children's assessment phase included Raven's and Human Figure Draw Tests, Child Behavioral Scale A2 of Rutter and a questionnaire to the mothers. It was verified a high mother's preoccupation with babies' survival, evolution, mother's separation, and incompetence sense to perform their role. 49% of school age children showed average intelligence and 42% were borderline; 18% presented aural deficiency; 82% were attending regular school. There appeared behavioral problems as agitation, impatience, and attachment to the mother.

Keywords : Pre-term; Low birth weight; Developmental risk.