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Impact of Preterm Birth on Feeding and Growth Patterns at 3 to 4 Years Old

Ana Valdés-Bécares, Ana Fernández-Feito, Alberto Lana

    Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners
    |May 21, 2025
    PubMed

    Insights

    Children born preterm (PTB) show comparable feeding patterns and growth to full-term born children (FTB) by age 3-4. This study found no significant differences in feeding disorders or parental coping between PTB and FTB groups.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Developmental Biology
    • Child Nutrition

    Background:

    • Feeding difficulties are common in children born prematurely.
    • Preterm birth (PTB) can impact early childhood development and feeding behaviors.
    • Understanding long-term feeding outcomes in PTB children is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the long-term feeding patterns of children born preterm.
    • To compare feeding behaviors and parental coping in PTB versus full-term born (FTB) children at 3 to 4 years of age.
    • To determine if preterm birth affects growth patterns by early childhood.

    Main Methods:

    • A retrospective cohort study design was employed.
    • 89 PTB children were matched with 178 FTB children by birth date and sex.
    • The Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale measured feeding behaviors and parental coping at 3-4 years.

    Main Results:

    • No significant difference in relevant feeding disorders between PTB (6.7%) and FTB (7.9%) children (p = .742).
    • Parental coping patterns were similar, with altered patterns in 20.2% of PTB and 19.1% of FTB children (p = .827).
    • Growth patterns showed no significant differences between the PTB and FTB groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Children born preterm exhibit comparable feeding and growth patterns to their full-term peers by 3 to 4 years of age.
    • Early feeding difficulties in PTB children do not appear to persist or significantly impact long-term feeding behaviors or growth.
    • Parental coping strategies for feeding challenges are similar between PTB and FTB groups at this age.
    Abstract

    Keywords:
    Premature birthchildfeeding behaviorparentspreschool

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