Preterm infants' early developmental status is associated with later developmental outcome

Aim: To assess the development of preterm infants from 40 weeks gestational age to 18 months corrected age to identify early predictors of later development. Methods: Fifty‐one infants were involved. Infant development was assessed at 40 and 44 weeks gestational age with the Brazelton neonatal behavioral assessment scale and a self‐regulation scale and at 3, 6, 10, 18 months corrected age with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. The quality of general movements was assessed at 1 and 3 months corrected age and maternal attachment style at infant’s age of 6 months corrected age with the Relation Scale Questionnaire. Results: At term age and 1‐month corrected age, preterm infants were less mature and had lower levels of self‐regulation than full‐term infants. At 3 months corrected age, a higher proportion of preterm infants (43%) had mildly abnormal motor quality compared to the general population (25%). At all follow‐ups, preterm infants had delayed mental, motor and behavioural development, which was associated with the level of self‐regulation, motor quality and maternal attachment style. Maternal education level was the most predominant background factor related to infant development. Conclusion: Preterm infants show early‐in‐life deviations in self‐regulation, motor quality and development. These deviations are risk factors for later optimal functioning.