Skip to ContentSkip to Navigation
About us Latest news News News articles

Development of sucking patterns in preterm infants

10 March 2010

Promotie: mw. S.P. da Costa, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Proefschrift: Development of sucking patterns in preterm infants

Promotor(s): prof.dr. A.F. Bos

Faculteit: Medische Wetenschappen

Contact: via de persvoorlichters van het UMCG, tel. 050-361 2200, e-mail: voorlichting bvl.umcg.nl

Development of sucking patterns in preterm infants

Generally, healthy, fullterm infants shows a normal sucking pattern. In preterm infants, the development of sucking patterns differs from full term infants and takes more time. We did a longitudinally study in about 60 preterms. Only a quarter of the preterms had a normal sucking pattern at full term age; by the age of ten weeks postterm this had increased to three quarters. Preterm infants have difficulty coordinating their breathing with sucking and swallowing and to sustain sucking. Their sucking patterns are not characterized by rhythmical movements of jaw and tongue as seen in a mature sucking pattern. Small-for-gestational age preterm infants and very preterm infants (GA < 30 weeks PMA), especially those with a bronchopulmonal dysplasia require extra attention in developing their sucking skills.

Last modified:13 March 2020 01.16 a.m.
View this page in: Nederlands

More news

  • 13 October 2023

    Moniek Tromp appointed Captain of Science of the Top Sector Chemistry

    Prof. Moniek Tromp has been appointed Captain of Science of the Chemistry Top Sector by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. As from 1 July 2023, she succeeded Prof. Bert Weckhuysen from Utrecht University.

  • 12 September 2023

    Art in times of AI

    Leonardo Arriagada Beltran conducted his PhD research on the interface of computer-generated art and the constantly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He will defend his Phd thesis on 21 September. His research offers valuable insights...

  • 28 August 2023

    Harish Vedantham and Casper van der Kooi nominated for 'Wetenschapstalent 2023'

    Harish Vedantham and Casper van der Kooi have been nominated by New Scientist for Wetenschapstalent 2023 (Science Talent 2023). This election is meant to give young scientists and their research a stage.