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Be aware that the following information describes various complications that some readers may find disturbing. You may choose not to read all or parts of this section. |
Babies who are mildly preterm (35 to 36 weeks) will probably have few health concerns, unless there are other complications. They may spend a few hours, or a few days, in the intensive care nursery (or no time at all, if they are feeding well and maintaining their temperature).
Babies born 34 weeks or less are more likely to have health concerns to varying degrees, even without other health complications. This can be particularly the case for extremely preterm babies (less than 28 weeks).
The body systems of very preterm babies are not fully matured yet, often leading to many physical difficulties when making the transition to independent life outside their mother's womb.
As a general guide, very preterm babies will often spend about the same time in the intensive care nursery as they would have spent in their mother's womb before being regarded as 'term' (or at least 37 weeks). For example of baby being born at 28 weeks gestation may spend up to 9 weeks in the intensive care nursery before going home. Twins or more may need to stay in the hospital for longer than single babies born at the same gestation.
Preterm babies (like term babies) will need to make the normal adjustments to life after birth. This means maintaining their body temperature, breathing and adjusting to feeding through suckling. The following is a guide to some of the main health concerns that are particularly associated with preterm babies and some possible complications they can be susceptible to, as they complete their growth and development in the 'outside world'. You may also wish to read about the treatments, care and equipment you can expect to see in the
intensive care nurseries.
Breathing difficulties
Infections
Jaundice