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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/prematurebabies.html

Premature Babies

Also called: Preemies
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Summary

Almost 1 of every 10 infants born in the United States are premature, or preemies. A premature birth is when a baby is born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. A full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks.

Important growth and development happen throughout pregnancy - especially in the final months and weeks. Because they are born too early, preemies weigh much less than full-term babies. They may have health problems because their organs did not have enough time to develop. Problems that a baby born too early may have include:

Preemies need special medical care in a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. They stay there until their organ systems can work on their own.

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.