Preterm Infants

Preterm infants are babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed, whereas a full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. These infants may be smaller and less developed, facing challenges like difficulties in breathing, feeding, and maintaining body temperature. They also have a higher risk of infections and long-term health issues. The earlier a baby is born, the greater the potential for complications. Care for preterm infants often requires specialized medical attention in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to help them grow and develop safely until they are strong enough to go home.