What are the challenges to a baby born preterm?
Premature infants may face a number of health challenges, including: • Low birth weight • Breathing problems because of underdeveloped lungs • Underdeveloped organs or organ systems • Greater risk for life-threatening infections • Greater risk for a serious lung condition, known as respiratory distress syndrome • Greater risk for cerebral palsy (CP) • Greater risk for learning and developmental disabilities They may need to stay in the hospital for several weeks or more, often in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
