The mother's health and complications
If the mother is unwell or there are pregnancy complications (such as
bleeding from the placenta) then this can affect the health of a preterm baby. The baby may become distressed before the birth, or be unwell due to the complication. The baby is then not only trying to cope being premature but also battling with poor health as well. This can affect their chances of survival.
The baby's health
If the baby has a health condition or an abnormality, then these can affect how well the baby fares after birth. Being premature can compound any pre-existing health problems for the baby.
A few babies may also require urgent surgery in the days or weeks following their birth. Having surgery and anaesthesia at this vulnerable time can also play a role in the baby's chances for survival.
Where the babies are born
As mentioned in other parts of this section, babies who are 'moderately' or 'extremely' preterm (less than 32 to 34 weeks - especially twins or more) will usually have a better chance of survival if they are born in a hospital with a
Level 3 Intensive Care Nursery. This is because the nursery is equipped with ventilator machines and other technology as well as having specially trained staff experienced in dealing with preterm babies.
Only a few large, public maternity and children's hospitals have a level 3 nursery and you (or your baby) may need to transfer to a hospital of this kind if you are in preterm labour or the baby(s) are born preterm. It is generally the aim of caregiver's to transfer mothers to a Level 3 hospital before the preterm baby(s) are born. This is ideal, and the least stressful health wise, for the baby(s), although very stressful for parents.
If transfer is not possible, or reasonable, then a specialised team for the emergency transport of newborn babies will come to the hospital and transfer the baby(s) to the nearest level 3 hospital with a 'ventilated bed' available.