A preterm baby is a child born prematurely, less than 37 weeks gestation. Each year, approximately 1 in 10 babies in the United States is born prematurely. Premature babies may not be fully developed at birth. They may have more health problems and may need to stay in the hospital longer than later born babies. Thanks to advances in medical care, even babies born very prematurely are now more likely to survive than ever before.

Your baby’s healthcare provider may use these terms to describe your baby’s birth:

• Late premature birth: Your baby will be born between the 34th and 36th completed week of pregnancy.
• Moderately premature: Your baby will be born between 32 and 34 weeks gestation.
• Very premature: Your baby will be born before the 32nd week of pregnancy.
• Extremely Preterm: Your baby will be born at or before 25 weeks gestation.

Some health problems associated with preterm birth can last a lifetime. Other problems, such as mental or developmental disabilities, may show up as your baby grows and later in childhood. These are problems with how the brain works that can cause a person to experience difficulty or delays in physical development, learning, communicating, caring for themselves, or interacting with others.

The earlier a baby is born in the pregnancy, the more likely it is to have health problems. Babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy most often have health problems, but babies born between 34 and 37 weeks of pregnancy also have an increased risk of health problems related to preterm birth. Some premature babies need to spend time in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (also called the NICU). This is the children’s room in a hospital where sick new-born babies are given medical care. Premature babies stay in the NICU until their organs have developed enough to survive without medical support. Some babies require weeks or months of care in the NICU before they can breathe, eat through their mouth, and maintain their body temperature and weight on their own.

What are the risks associated with premature birth?

A neonatologist provides care for premature infants. This doctor has received specific training to care for infants. Depending on the health issues they have, babies may also receive care from other professionals.

Babies that are born prematurely lack fully developed bodies and organ systems. Compared to what they would have been if they had been born at full term, these new-borns are smaller. They could require assistance with breathing, eating, preventing infection, and keeping warm. Babies that are born before 28 weeks are at the highest risk for complications. Potentially unprepared for life outside the mother’s uterus are their organs and bodily systems. Moreover, they can be too young to operate properly.

Important facts regarding prematurity 

Premature birth, or the birth of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is referred to as this.

Additionally, many preterm infants weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams). They could be referred to as low birth weight.

Long-term health issues can arise in premature infants. In general, the health issues may be more severe and long-lasting the earlier the kid is born.

Prenatal care is essential in preventing low birth weight and premature deliveries.

Sick babies are more likely to have sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Some premature newborns still require particular care when they return home, even when they are otherwise healthy enough to be discharged.