Premature Babies: Risks and Care for Preemies

Almost 1 in 10 babies born in the United States is premature — a "preemie."

• Premature: born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy (premature birth).
• Full term: 40 weeks.

Why being early matters

Important growth and development happen all through pregnancy, especially in the final months and weeks. Born too soon, preemies weigh much less than full-term babies, and their organs may not have had enough time to develop.

Possible health problems

• Breathing problems
• Feeding difficulties
• Cerebral palsy
• Developmental delay
• Vision problems
• Hearing problems

Care in the NICU

Preemies need special care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they stay until their organ systems can work on their own.

Sources

Based on "Premature Babies," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.