Premature Birth occurs when a baby is more more than 3 weeks early, before the 37th week of pregnancy.MayoClinic: Premature Birth
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)
Potential 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
Warning Signs
Risk Factors
Featured Video
References
Fast Facts
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AKA
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Fact:
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1 in 8 babies are born in the U.S. annuallyCDC: Premature Births
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2006
536,000 premature infants in the U.S.Los Angeles Times: Octuplets -- Why? (January 28, 2009)
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The earlier a baby is more, the greater the risk of complicationsAmerican Pregnancy Association: Premature Birth Complications
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Preventing birth by even a few days can help reduce complicationsMayoClinic: Premature Birth
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Annual U.S. cost
Over $26.2 billion (2002)
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Sometimes occurs without warning
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Prevalence has increased by 36% since the early 1980sLos Angeles Times: Octuplets -- Why? (January 28, 2009)
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