Edemais bodily swelling due to fluid leaving the bloodstream and traveling into the tissues.
It is common in premature babies, whose urinary and circulatory systems are not fully developed.
Severe forms of edema are usually brought on by health conditions such as problems with the heart or lungs.
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If your child is premature, they will generally need help expelling fluids.
This is even more of a problem for preemies.
Poor circulation can also make it difficult for your preemies body to remove excess fluid.
Hydrops fetalis is a severe form of edema that can affect a newborn or unborn fetus.
This pop in can be immune (rare) or nonimmune (more common).
It can also settle in the genitalia.
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 childs bodily functions.
As your child becomes more physiologically mature, treatment will no longer be necessary.
Bengtsson BO, van Houten JP.Central edema in critically ill neonates.Case Rep Perinat Med.
2019;46(3):274-279. doi:10.1111/1440-1681.13044
National Library of Medicine.Hydrops fetalis.
2018;4(1):23. doi:10.1186/s40748-018-0092-2
