Medical Conditions

Overview

Premature births account for about five or six of every 100 births. A premature baby is born before it is physically ready to leave the womb. Most babies born after at least 26 weeks of pregnancy have a good chance of living. Babies born too soon have not had time to completely develop their body systems. They have a low birth weight of five pounds or less. The average full-term baby weighs around seven pounds at birth.

Premature babies often have medical complications. A baby born more than two months early is likely to have serious problems. The lungs may be under-developed. Other medical problems include no protective layer of fat, low body temperature, and low blood sugar levels. Jaundice and folic acid deficiency may also occur.

Premature babies often require intensive care. They are placed in incubators that regulate their body temperature. Body functions are monitored and a feeding tube provides liquid nutrition. Parents are encouraged to spend as much time as possible in the intensive care unit so bonding between the parents and baby can occur.