Why Does a 4-Day-Old Infant Born at 33 Weeks of Gestation

Multiple Choice

Why does a 4-day-old infant born at 33 weeks of gestation possibly need to be fed by gavage during the first few days of life?

A) Weak or absent sucking or swallowing reflex
B) Inability to digest food properly
C) Refusal to take formula by mouth
D) Need for a larger quantity of formula at each feeding