The average gestation period in humans is 40 weeks, although a baby born at 37 weeks is still regarded full-term. Labor that begins prior to the completion of 37 full weeks is known as pre-term labor and the baby is considered premature. Due to a lower birth weight and underdeveloped organs, premature infants face many challenges. In fact, these babies usually require special round-the-clock care in a newborn intensive care unit before being deemed healthy enough to go home.
Rate of Incidence
According to 2010 information from the March of Dimes Foundation, 12.8 percent of all infants, or about 500,000 babies, are born premature in the United States each year. More than 70 percent of these infants are born between 34 and 36 weeks, the majority by cesarean section. Approximately 12 percent are born at 32 weeks, about 10 percent between 28 and 31 weeks, and roughly 6 percent at less than 28 weeks. In addition, the National Institutes of Health estimates that about 15 percent of all premature births involve women pregnant with twins, triplets or more multiples.
Breathing Problems
The March of Dimes states that infants born before completing 34 weeks of gestation frequently lack a protein needed to prevent air sacs in the lungs from collapsing, a condition known as respiratory distress syndrome. Treatment consists of introducing this protein, which acts as a surfactant, into the lungs via a breathing tube. These infants also typically require the use of a ventilator until the lungs mature. Constant monitoring by medical personnel is also necessary since some infants experience apnea, a condition in which the baby stops breathing momentarily.
Heart Problems
A common heart problem in premature infants is patent ductus arteriosus. Since a fetus receives oxygen through the placenta, an artery known as the ductus arteriosus reroutes blood to avoid the lungs. Normally, this artery closes after birth. However, the artery may remain open in premature infants, which can lead to heart failure.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage
This condition means that blood is seeping into the ventricles, or the fluid-filled areas of the brain, which causes them to expand and places pressure on brain tissue. According to the NIH, babies born before 30 weeks of pregnancy most commonly develop this condition within the first few days of life. If bleeding is severe, clots may form that impair the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and result in hydrocephalus, or fluid on the brain. Unfortunately, there is no treatment to stop the bleeding. However, most cases are mild and resolved without intervention or long-term damage.
Long-Term Complications
Premature babies may suffer lasting adverse effects ranging from diabetes and heart disease to hearing and vision abnormalities. Mental impairment and behavioral problems may also occur. Other long-term complications include an increased risk of cerebral palsy and autistic disorders.
