Premature birth predisposes a baby to a number of difficulties. In 2009, three studies suggested that one of these might be autism. Although not conclusive, the research did show a link between poor performance on a test usually used to diagnose autism and related disorders, and being born more than three months early.WebMD: Study Suggests Preemie, Autism Link (January 29, 2009)

1. AKA: Preterm birthLos Angeles Times: Octuplets -- Why? (January 28, 2009)
2. Early babies are called "preemies"American Pregnancy Association: Premature Birth Complications
3. 1 in 8 babies are born in the U.S. annuallyCDC: Premature Births
4. 2006: 536,000 premature infants in the U.S.Los Angeles Times: Octuplets -- Why? (January 28, 2009)
5. The earlier a baby is more, the greater the risk of complicationsAmerican Pregnancy Association: Premature Birth Complications
6. Preventing birth by even a few days can help reduce complicationsMayoClinic: Premature Birth
7. Annual U.S. cost: Over $26.2 billion (2002)
8. Sometimes occurs without warning
9. Prevalence has increased by 36% since the early 1980sLos Angeles Times: Octuplets -- Why? (January 28, 2009)
10. Lung maturity usually reached by 36 weeksAmerican Pregnancy Association: Premature Birth Complications

• Bleeding in the brainMayoClinic: Premature Birth
• Intellectual impairmentCDC: Premature Births
• Cerebral palsyCDC: Premature Births
• Respiratory problemsAmerican Pregnancy Association: Premature Birth Complications
• BradycardiaAmerican Pregnancy Association: Premature Birth Complications
• Vision lossCDC: Premature Births
• Impaired hearingCDC: Premature Births
• Feeding issuesCDC: Premature Births
• Digestive problemsCDC: Premature Births
• InfectionAmerican Pregnancy Association: Premature Birth Complications

• ContractionsCDC: Premature Births
• Leaking fluid or bleeding from the vaginaCDC: Premature Births
• Pelvic pressureCDC: Premature Births
• Lower back painCDC: Premature Births
• Pelvic or abdominal crampsCDC: Premature Births
• DiarrheaCDC: Premature Births

• Multiple fetusesCDC: Premature Births
• Previous preterm birthCDC: Premature Births
• Uterine problemsCDC: Premature Births
• Problems with the cervixCDC: Premature Births
• Maternal health issuesCDC: Premature Births
• InfectionCDC: Premature Births
• Substance abuseCDC: Premature Births