Premature birth (also known as preterm birth, or premie) is defined medically as childbirth occurring earlier than 37 completed weeks of gestation. Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks. Premature babies are sometimes called preemies. About 12 percent of babies in the United States — or 1 in 8 — are born prematurely each year. In 2003, more than 490,000 babies in the U.S. were born prematurely. The shorter the term of pregnancy is, the greater the risks of complications. Infants born prematurely have an increased risk of death in the first year of life. They are also at a greater risk for developing serious health problems such as: cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, gastrointestinal problems, mental retardation, vision and hearing loss.

Although there are several known risk factors for prematurity (see below), nearly half of all premature births have no known cause. When conditions permit, doctors may attempt to stop premature labor, so that the pregnancy can have a chance to continue to full term, thereby increasing the baby's chances of health and survival. However, there is currently no reliable means to stop or prevent preterm labor in all cases.

After being born, a premature baby is cared for in a special section of the hospital known as the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). The physicians who specialize in the care of very sick or premature babies are known as neonatologists. In the NICU, babies are kept in incubators (or isolettes), a bassinet enclosed in plastic with climate control equipment designed to keep babies warm and limit their exposure to germs. In some cases, an oxygen-enriched atmosphere may be used, although this is avoided where possible, as it can cause damaging side effects. Premature babies may be released from the hospital when they no longer need the constant hospital care the NICU provides.

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#factsaboutme : I was born premature 3 months early, weighing in at 2 pounds, No birth defects. The hole in my heart closed up :) BLESSED
ShataviaJ (Shatavia J.) Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:00:29 -0000
#factsaboutme : I was born premature 3 months early, weighing in at 2 pounds, No birth defects. The hole in my heart closed up :) BLESSED
17P: Drug to Prevent Premature Birth - Research Study Needs Participants: More than 545,000 b.. http://bit.ly/8AGu2F #CHD #Heart #HLHS
chdbabies (kelly manz) Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:11:23 -0000
17P: Drug to Prevent Premature Birth - Research Study Needs Participants: More than 545,000 b.. http://bit.ly/8AGu2F #CHD #Heart #HLHS
#Premature #birth may be linked to later behavioral problems: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091216/hl_nm/us_premature_birth
LauraVandiver (Laura Vandiver) Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:29:31 -0000
#Premature #birth may be linked to later behavioral problems: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091216/hl_nm/us_premature_birth
Premature birth tied to later behavioral problems (Reuters) http://bit.ly/70awgK
HowToExpert (How To Expert) Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:32:00 -0000
Premature birth tied to later behavioral problems (Reuters) http://bit.ly/70awgK
Preterm research study needs participants as United States earns a D in premature #birth report card - http://tinyurl.com/ykn7mmb #pregnancy
HealthyJasmine (Jasmine Jafferali) Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:58:51 -0000
Preterm research study needs participants as United States earns a D in premature #birth report card - http://tinyurl.com/ykn7mmb #pregnancy
Mom of 18 kids gives premature birth due to high blood pressure http://bit.ly/5xYax8 http://ff.im/ddvMw
wayrustic (JT James Teague) Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:14:00 -0000
Mom of 18 kids gives premature birth due to high blood pressure http://bit.ly/5xYax8 http://ff.im/ddvMw

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