Does premature birth cause long-term problems?
Before the birth, it is hard to predict how healthy a premature baby will be. But your doctors can prepare you for what may lie ahead. They can base this on your condition and how many weeks pregnant you will be when you give birth. Most premature babies do not develop serious disabilities. But the earlier a baby is born, the higher the chances of problems. • Most premature babies who are born between 32 and 37 weeks do well after birth. If your baby does well after birth, his or her risk of disability is low. • Babies most likely to have long-term disability are those who are born before 26 weeks or who are very small, 1.7lb or less. Long-term problems may include mental retardation or cerebral palsy. What can you expect when you take your baby home? When you’re at home, don’t be surprised if your baby sleeps for shorter periods of time than you expect. Premature babies are not often awake for more than brief periods, but they wake up more often than other babies. Because your baby is
