Susceptibility to pain is affected by premature birth and also genetics

[Sandel]

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=39964

Scientists in US and UK laboratories have made key discoveries into the elusive nature of pain in children and adults. The results, presented at the Forum of European Neurosciences Monday will help guide the future management and treatment of pain.

[Kathi49]

Thanks for the information Sandel.

My daughter was a preemie; born at 32 weeks and in the NICU for one month. I know this wasn't extremely preterm and she didn't have any major operations or intense/invasive procedures. She is now 24. Anyway, what I wanted to say is that shortly after she was born I was reading an article where it was originally thought that preterm babies didn't feel pain. Now this article I was reading was 24 years ago and I remember being in shock. Because I am here to tell you...yes, they feel pain. One thing that stands out is that she was jaundiced like a lot of babies can be. But what struck me one day when I went to visit her is that she had tape on her knees. When I asked the nurse about it, she said that the jaundice caused the babies to be cranky and in pain and told me that my daughter was trying to get up on her knees and was rubbing the skin off. But once they started the billi lights, used suppositories and even a blood transfusion it slowly went away. I am certain they probably did a lot more...it is just difficult to remember ALL of it. Oh, boy, the sights and sounds of the NICU were difficult to take in. But all turned out well. :)

Anyway, I know the link you posted has to do with later in life. But I am going to let her know about this. Thanks again for the info.

[Mark N]

Sandel, thanks for the report. It is good to see researches pursuing the impact these condition have on pain.

[suede]

My daughter had preemie twins and the first born, her water broke and they gave my daughter drugs to try and slow the labor down and steroids for their lung development, so the first born has mild Cerebral Palsy and a few other mild problems, now the second born the water had to be broke and and she has sensitivity problems.
As an infant she could hardly stand to be touched or have clothes on, they both had a lot of therapy such as PT, OT.
I know that even now at 10 the youngest still doesn't like to be touched all that much and she has a low tolerance to pain, so I believe the article it right on.