How many weeks considered premature

Premature birth cannot always be prevented, but the best way to protect your baby is to take excellent care of yourself throughout pregnancy by sticking to your regular prenatal appointment schedule, following your doctor's instructions if you're put on bed rest, and not smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs.

When is a baby officially considered premature? July 02, Save Pin FB More. Q: When is a baby officially considered premature? Discover what they are here. They may experience brain problems if they haven't fully matured. A baby born preterm may not have fully developed lungs. These are the best iPhone and Android apps to find information, answers, tools, and tracking during your pregnancy.

For everything from what to eat during pregnancy to how to plan for birth and what comes after, check out these best pregnancy books! Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Early vs. Early term vs. In most cases, the answer is yes. But there are a few things you should know. Why your due date might be off. Risks of a week delivery.

But late preterm babies are still at risk for: respiratory distress syndrome RDS sepsis patent ductus arteriosus PDA jaundice low birth weight difficulty regulating temperature developmental delays or special needs death As a result of complications, late preterm babies may need to be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit NICU or even readmitted to the hospital after discharge.

Are children of moderately low birth weight at increased risk for poor health? A new look at an old question. March of Dimes. Fact sheet: preterm birth. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFamily. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

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I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Age of Viability. Survival Statistics. What is Premature Birth? Viability Factors. Long-Term Effects. What to Ask Your Doctor. What Is a Perviable Birth?

Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This includes following the same guidance that is provided to everyone, including people who are not pregnant:.

Additionally, people who are at increased risk of severe illness, including pregnant people, should reduce contact with people who do not live with you. COVID has challenged pregnant people in a way most have not experienced before. Call the Emotional Support Helpline seven days a week at from 8 a. Near the end of your pregnancy you may be uncomfortable or anxious to see your baby.

But remember -- you want to be sure you deliver a full term baby, if possible.