Impact of a short period of prone versus supine nursing in preterm neonates less than 32 weeks on weight gain: A prospective observational study

Background: Postnatal growth depends on multiple factors such as gestational age, associated morbidities, and the nutrition and varies from one newborn to another. Preterm babies in neonatal intensive care unit are very much susceptible to growth faltering even after adequate nutrition and supplements. The positioning of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care has an impact on their survival and neurological outcome. Prone positioning is known to improve oxygenation, minute ventilation, and functional residual capacity. Quiet undisturbed sleep in preterms has helped them to conserve energy for growth. Objective: To determine the effect of prone versus supine position on weight gain in infants less than 32 weeks of gestational age. Design: Prospective observational study. Participants: Twenty-two neonates were recruited. Results: On day 1, in the prone position, 63.6% gained weight vs. 59.1% in the supine position (P = 0.425). On day 2, in prone, 72.7% has gained vs. 63.6% in supine (P = 0.359). On day 3, in prone, 68.2% gained weight vs. 63.6% in supine position (P = 0.426). Conclusion: Nursing a baby in a prone position has demonstrated weight gain over nursing in a supine position though not statistically significant.