A pemature infant is born before the full 37 weeks of pregnancy.
The World Health Organization defines prematurity as an infant born before 37 weeks from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period. The cause of prematurity is often unknown. Having a multiple pregnancy (twins or triplets) increases the chances of prematurity. Multiple pregnancies make up 15 percent of premature births, according to Medline Plus.
Premature Infants in the Developed World
In most countries in the developed world, premature infants account for 5 to 9 percent of births; in the United States, premature infants account for 12 to 13 percent of all births, according to Patient UK. The amount of premature births has increased in the developed world over recent years because of the increase in artificially conceived multiple pregnancies. Women who artificially conceive are much more likely to become pregnant with more than one child, and women who are pregnant with multiple children are more likely to give birth prematurely.
Levels of Prematurity
Although infants born before 37 weeks are all labeled premature, the severity of the problems a baby will encounter depends, in the large part, on how premature the birth was. An infant born at 36 weeks might be a little slow to feed, but will encounter few other difficulties caused by his prematurity. A child born at 33 weeks will have more severe problems, in that she is not fully developed; she might have underdeveloped organs such as immature lungs. A child born before 28 weeks will have significant problems, as many parts of his body, including its vital organs will be underdeveloped, according to Patient UK.
Survival Rates
Prematurity once was a major cause of infant deaths, Improved medical and nursing techniques have dramatically increased the survival rates of premature babies.
Survival rates vary from country to country, state to state and ward to ward, but average survival rates suggest there is a 90 percent survival rate if the infant weighs over 800 g (about 1 lb., 12 oz.) and a 50 percent survival rate if the infant weighs over 500 g (about 1 lb., 2 oz.). About 90 percent of babies born at 28 weeks survive, according to Medline Plus.
Immediate Health Risks
Following birth, premature infants face a number of health risks. Hypothermia (low body temperature) is a great risk, especially if the infant has developed little fat. Hypoglycemia (low level of blood glucose) is also a risk in premature babies immediately after birth. In newly born premature babies, it can cause convulsions and long-term brain damage. Among other problems, premature infants are also susceptible to respiratory problems, blindness and jaundice, according to Patient UK
Long-Term Problems
Premature babies are more likely to have problems with their hearing and sight. They may suffer from deafness, crossed eyes or a squint, according to Premature Babies UK. One in four infants born with a weight of less than 1.5 kg (about 3.3 lbs.) has peripheral or central hearing impairment or both. Half of infants born at 24 to 28 weeks have a disability by the time they reach age of 5. A third of premature infants born between 29 and 32 weeks have a disability at 5. Premature birth can also contribute to the incomplete development of an infant's brain, resulting in learning difficulties and dyslexia.
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