NUTRITIONAL RISK IN PRETERM INFANTS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH MATERNAL AND PERINATAL HISTORY

Abstract

Prematurity affects neonatal growth and development, interrupting fetal maturation in the third trimester. Nutrition is essential for these babies, classified according to gestational age and birth weight. Maternal, fetal and socioeconomic factors influence preterm birth, and both malnutrition and maternal obesity increase the risks. Preterm infants often require intensive care in NICUs to prevent complications. Despite medical advances that have improved survival, delays in nutrition can impact growth and increase morbidity and mortality. Objective: To analyze the relationship between nutritional risk and maternal and perinatal history in preterm newborns, classify risk according to neonatology criteria, and correlate these risks with mothers' history. This study analyzed the relationship between nutritional risk and maternal history in premature newborns in the Neonatal ICU of the Hospital Beneficente da Unimar (HBU).  The sample included premature newborns from the Neonatal ICU of the Hospital Beneficente da Unimar (HBU). The postpartum women were invited to participate by answering a questionnaire. The Neonatal Nutritional Risk Assessment Tool (FARNNeo) was used, which classifies the risk as low (0 points), medium (1 to 3 points) and high (4 or more points). Statistical analysis was performed with Excel and BioEstat 5.0. The results showed that birth weight (P = 0.0013), feeding route (P = 0.0242), and the presence of maternal comorbidities (P = 0.04497) had a significant association with nutritional risk. It is concluded that maternal history directly influences the nutrition of premature infants, highlighting the importance of screening and early nutritional monitoring to minimize risks and promote adequate development.