Premature infant

Premature Infant

A premature infant, also known as a preterm baby or simply preemie, is a baby born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature birth gives the baby less time to develop in the womb. Premature babies, especially those born very early, often have complicated medical problems.

Causes

The exact cause of premature birth is often not known, but it can happen for a variety of reasons. Some premature births are due to medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Other times, premature birth may occur due to a woman's lifestyle choices during pregnancy, such as smoking, drug use, or inadequate prenatal care.

Complications

Premature babies often have complications, both in the short term and potentially in the long term. These can include respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Long-term complications may include cerebral palsy, developmental delay, and vision problems.

Treatment

Treatment for premature babies focuses on supporting their development and treating any complications that arise. This can include care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), use of a ventilator to assist with breathing, and medications to help with heart and lung function.

Prevention

While not all premature births can be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include proper prenatal care, avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol, and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

See also

• Neonatology
• Fetal viability
• Low birth weight