Premature Infants
Premature infants are babies born before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy, while a full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. Because they are born too early, these infants often have underdeveloped organs, which can lead to health challenges. They may require special medical care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to support their growth and development. Premature birth can happen for various reasons, including maternal health issues or complications during pregnancy. With advancements in medical care, many premature infants can survive and thrive, though they may face long-term developmental challenges.
Additional Insights
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Premature infants are babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed. A full-term pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks. Since their organs, especially the lungs and brain, may not be fully developed, premature infants often face health challenges. They might require specialized care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Common issues include difficulty breathing, feeding problems, and a higher risk of infections. Advances in medical technology have improved survival rates and outcomes for premature babies, but they may still experience long-term developmental challenges as they grow.