What Is a Preemies Risk for Disabilities?
As with chances for survival, many factors play a role in the risks of having a minor or major disability, such as the baby’s gestational age, neurological abnormalities (such as severe intravestricular haemorrhage) and being sick for a long time while being in the NICU. In 23- or 24-weekers the chance of having a major disability (mental retadation, blindness, deafness or inability to walk without assistance) is approximately 50%, but the chance of being non-disabled gradually increases with age. About two-thirds of preemies will eventually turn out to be non-disabled or have only minor disabilities, such as coordination problems, needing glasses at an early age or specific learning disabilities. About 50% of babies weighing less than 3 1/2 pounds at birth will have a minor disability. Keep in mind that it cannot be predicted whether your child will become disabled. Furthermore, many children with minor or major disabilities lead happy lives.
