Types of Infant What to Know

There are four main types of infants:

* Premature infants are born before 37 weeks of gestation. They are often smaller and less developed than full-term infants and may have more health problems.

* Full-term infants are born between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. They are typically healthy and well-developed.

* Post-term infants are born after 42 weeks of gestation. They may be larger than full-term infants and have some health problems, such as jaundice.

* Small for gestational age (SGA) infants are born at a lower weight than expected for their gestational age. They may be premature, full-term, or post-term. SGA infants may have more health problems than infants of normal weight.

Each type of infant has its own unique needs and challenges. Parents of premature, full-term, post-term, and SGA infants should work closely with their healthcare provider to ensure that their baby is healthy and thriving.

Here are some additional things to know about different types of infants:

* Premature infants may have trouble breathing, eating, and regulating their body temperature. They may also be more likely to develop infections.

* Full-term infants are typically healthy and well-developed, but they may still have some minor health problems, such as colic or constipation.

* Post-term infants may have problems with breathing, feeding, and jaundice. They may also be more likely to have a vaginal birth injury.

* SGA infants may have problems with breathing, eating, and growth. They may also be more likely to develop infections.

If you are the parent of an infant, it is important to be aware of the different types of infants and their unique needs. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can help ensure that your baby is healthy and thriving.