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Premature Baby & Risk Factors

A baby is considered premature when birth occurs before 37 weeks gestation. Premature babies are at an increased risk for health complications.

  1. Considerations

    • Medical research and statistics show the earlier a baby is born, the greater the risk for health problems.

    Significance

    • Medical advances have greatly increased the chances of survival for even the smallest premature babies.

    Effects

    • A baby born too early can experience Respiratory Distress Syndrome, bleeding in the brain, heart and intestinal problems and even vision loss.

    Time Frame

    • According to the March of Dimes, babies born before 28 weeks have the most medical problems and usually require assistance to breathe and eat. They will be required to stay in the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or NICU until they are healthy enough to go home.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To lower your risk of preterm birth, get regular prenatal care during your pregnancy. You should also take a prenatal vitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid.

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