Originally posted by ceinstein:
Is it true that neonatal trauma (ie-born 3 months premature follwed by 2-3 months incubation, needles, tests, etc) can affect you psychologically later on in life?
A lot depends upon the type of trauma the premature baby is subjected to. Even normal term babies, most especially the first born, can be subject to oxygen loss in the birth canal. The most serious can suffer from a slow, even a retarded mental development. Epilepsy, seems less prevalent in Ceasarian babys, however there are a number of common drugs which undoubtedly affect the unborn child during its first tri-mester.
Apparently it is believed there are advantages conferred by keeping the umbilical cord connected for some minutes after a 'normal' birth.
It is also proven that a babys hearing is well developed and carried thru the amniotic fluid to its ears. Their movement often stops abruptly when music is played, or if a father talks against his wifes stomach, it seems that the baby is listening and processing information.
If I were you I would look up 'Perinatal Trauma' or 'Pre-Natal Trauma' in a decent search engine. I believe there is a 'Journal of Perinatal Medicine' to be found somwhere.
If you are a potential father I suggest you stay cool and dont communicate your worrys needlessly to your other half. Let nature take its course. The Psychology of worrying can be very communicable. That said, the quicker the actual birth, the less problems occur.
