Premature Infant
The Premature Newborn
A premature infant's health at birth is influenced by many things, including:
- Reference Gestational age Opens New Window at birth.
- Weight at birth.
- Maternal illness and medical treatment during pregnancy.
- Congenital birth defects.
Most infants born at 36 and 37 weeks' gestation are mature enough to be discharged from the hospital with the mother. But many premature infants need care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Hospital care will be needed for:
- Reference Underdeveloped lungs.
- Reference Inability to breathe continuously (apnea of prematurity).
- Reference Inability to maintain body heat.
- Reference Inability to feed orally.
While in the NICU or at home, many premature infants also need treatment for Reference jaundice Opens New Window, infection, and Reference anemia Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference April 14, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Topic Contents
- Overview
-
Health Tools
- FAQs
- Delivery of Your Premature Infant
- Taking Care of Yourselves
- The Premature Newborn
- The Sick Premature Infant
- Getting to Know the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Taking Your Baby Home
- The First Weeks at Home
- Looking Ahead to the Childhood Years
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits