Effect of Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention on Improving the Level of Sucking Reflex in Preterm Infants Admitted in NICU

Abstract

Preterm infants’ organs are not fully developed at birth. Sucking reflex does not developed until 32 weeks of gestation and not fully developed until 36 weeks. Premature birth is associated with feeding difficulties due to inadequate coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. So, they required care at birth and need a hospitalization. Feeding difficulties can be results from CNS immaturity, medical complications and/or cerebral injury. Therapeutic approaches are involved in improving the sucking reflex among preterm infants. The approaches are like oral massage, pacifiers, cheek-chin support, tactile approach. Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI), improve positive effects on sucking reflex and helps in feeding and the growth of preterm infants.