Illustration of a premature baby in a NICU incubator, with a glowing heart and a caring hand

Tiny Battles, Big Impact: Understanding PDA in Premature Babies

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Decoding Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers Navigating the NICU"

Welcoming a new baby is a joyous occasion, but for parents of premature infants, the journey can be filled with unexpected challenges. One such challenge is Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a heart condition that affects many premature babies. Understanding PDA, its impact, and the available treatments is crucial for parents navigating the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

This article delves into the specifics of PDA, offering a clear explanation of what it is, why it's common in premature infants, and the various treatment strategies employed by medical professionals. Drawing on the latest research, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview that empowers parents and caregivers with knowledge and reassurance.

The information presented here is intended to provide general guidance and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized care and treatment options for your baby.

What is Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)? Breaking Down the Basics

Illustration of a premature baby in a NICU incubator, with a glowing heart and a caring hand

To understand PDA, it's helpful to know a little about how a baby's circulatory system works before birth. In the womb, a baby's lungs are not yet used for breathing. Instead, the baby receives oxygen through the umbilical cord. A blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus connects the aorta (the main artery carrying blood from the heart) to the pulmonary artery (which carries blood to the lungs). This vessel allows blood to bypass the lungs.

Normally, the ductus arteriosus closes shortly after birth as the baby begins to breathe independently. However, in some premature infants, this vessel remains open, leading to a condition known as PDA. When the ductus arteriosus stays open, it can cause blood to flow in the wrong direction, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs and strain on the heart.

The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery.
It normally closes soon after birth, allowing the baby to breathe independently.
In PDA, the vessel remains open, causing blood to flow in the wrong direction.
This can strain the heart and increase blood flow to the lungs.

Premature infants are at a higher risk of PDA because their bodies may not be fully developed, including the mechanisms that trigger the ductus arteriosus to close. The earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk of PDA. Other factors, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and certain genetic conditions, can also increase the likelihood of PDA.

Navigating the NICU with Confidence

Dealing with PDA can be a challenging experience for parents, but remember that you are not alone. With knowledge, support, and open communication with your baby's healthcare team, you can navigate this journey with confidence. Stay informed, ask questions, and celebrate every milestone. Your baby's health and well-being are the top priority, and with the right care, many babies with PDA go on to live healthy lives. Remember to lean on the support of your family, friends, and medical professionals during this time.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3346/jkms.2015.30.s1.s59, Alternate LINK

Title: Current Status Of Therapeutic Strategies For Patent Ductus Arteriosus In Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants In Korea

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Korean Medical Science

Publisher: Korean Academy of Medical Sciences

Authors: Jin A Lee, Myo-Jing Kim, Sohee Oh, Byung Min Choi

Published: 2015-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and what role does the ductus arteriosus play in a baby's circulation before birth?

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a heart condition in premature babies where the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel connecting the aorta and the pulmonary artery, fails to close after birth. Before birth, the ductus arteriosus allows blood to bypass the baby's lungs since the baby receives oxygen through the umbilical cord. Normally, this vessel closes shortly after birth when the baby begins to breathe independently. When the ductus arteriosus remains open, it causes blood to flow in the wrong direction, leading to increased blood flow to the lungs and strain on the heart.

Why are premature infants more susceptible to Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) compared to full-term babies?

Premature infants are at a higher risk of PDA because their bodies, including the mechanisms that trigger the closure of the ductus arteriosus, may not be fully developed. The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of PDA. Other factors such as Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and certain genetic conditions can also increase the likelihood of PDA. The immaturity of the premature infant's physiological systems makes them more vulnerable to this condition.

How does Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) affect a premature baby's heart and lungs when the ductus arteriosus doesn't close properly?

When the ductus arteriosus remains open in a baby with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), blood can flow in the wrong direction, increasing blood flow to the lungs and straining the heart. This abnormal blood flow can lead to several complications such as difficulty breathing, increased work of breathing, and heart failure if the PDA is large. The increased blood flow to the lungs can also cause pulmonary edema, further compromising the baby's respiratory function.

What are some strategies for parents to confidently navigate the NICU while their premature baby is being treated for Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)?

Navigating the NICU while your baby is treated for PDA requires knowledge, support, and open communication. Parents should stay informed about their baby's condition, ask questions to the healthcare team, and celebrate every milestone. Leaning on the support of family, friends, and medical professionals can provide emotional strength. Understanding the treatment options for PDA and actively participating in care decisions can also empower parents during this challenging time. Remember, consistent communication with the healthcare team is key to providing optimal care for your baby.

Beyond the immediate treatments for Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) what are the potential long-term implications for a child who had PDA as a premature infant?

While many babies with PDA go on to live healthy lives, there can be potential long-term implications. Some children may experience continued respiratory issues or an increased risk of pulmonary hypertension. There is also a possibility, though less common, of developmental delays if the PDA significantly impacted oxygen delivery to the brain. Regular follow-up appointments with a pediatric cardiologist and developmental assessments are important to monitor for any long-term effects and ensure early intervention if needed. Addressing any associated conditions, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), is also vital for overall long-term health.