Premature babies are those babies born before 37 weeks
gestation.
15% of all births are premature
90% of triplets born are premature
Full-term babies are born 38 to 42 weeks after they are
conceived. Age in premature babies is often defined in
gestational weeks (the number of weeks after the baby was
conceived) until the baby is 40 weeks old. If a baby is born at
30 weeks that would mean the baby is 10 weeks premature.
There are many causes of prematurity and often there may be no
warning that your baby could be premature. Premature babies are
usually born via C-section, in most cases an emergency. The NICU
is on alert, the paediatrician will be standing by to take
immediate care of the needs of the premature baby.
Premature babies need special care in the NICU. Depending on the
gestational age of the baby, preemies can be classified into the
following categories:
-
Micro Preemies - less than 26 weeks gestational age
-
Very-very premature babies - 26 - 29 weeks gestational age
-
Very premature babies - 30 - 34 weeks gestational age
-
Moderately premature babies - 35 - 37 weeks gestational age
Due to many advances in medical and science, more than 90% of
babies born weighing 800 grams and more will survive.
Babies
weighing under 800 grams will have less chance of survival with
many more complications. Micro preemies face the biggest
challenge of survival.
The preemies basic needs are warmth, nutrition, and protection
for proper growth and development. The NICU is designed to meet
the premature babies needs.
Read more about the following:
The causes of prematurity
About Preemies: what they look
like, what care they need etc.
All about Micro Preemies
The chances for your premature baby's survival
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