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This topic is for people who want to know what to expect when a baby is born early. For information about early labor, its causes, and its treatment, see the topic Preterm Labor.

What is premature birth?

Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks. A baby born 3 or more weeks early is premature. Many premature babies-those born closer to 37 weeks-do not have problems.

Babies who are born closer to 32 weeks (just over 7 months) may not be able to eat, breathe, or stay warm on their own. But after these babies have had time to grow, most of them can leave the hospital.

Babies born earlier than 26 weeks (just under 6 months) are the most likely to have serious problems. If your baby was born very small or sick, you may face a hard life-or-death decision about treatment.

Doctors and nurses often call premature babies "preemies."

Why is premature birth a problem?

Babies who are premature may not be able to feed by mouth, breathe without stopping, or stay warm. Their bodies simply need more time to fully develop and grow. After they outgrow the problems caused by being born too soon, most babies can safely go home from the hospital.

When a baby is born too early, his or her major organs are not fully formed. This can cause health problems. Any premature baby can have medical problems. But those who are born before 32 weeks are more likely to have more serious problems.

Having a premature baby is stressful and scary. To get through it, you and your partner must take good care of yourselves and each other. It may help to talk to a spiritual advisor, counselor, or social worker. You may be able to find a support group of other parents who are going through the same thing.

What causes premature birth?

Premature birth can be caused by a problem with the fetus, the mother, or both. Often the cause is never known. The most common causes include:

• Problems with the placenta.
• Pregnancy with twins or more.
• Infection in the mother.
• Problems with the uterus or cervix.
• Drug or alcohol use during pregnancy.

What kind of treatments might a premature infant need?

Premature babies who are moved to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are watched closely for infections and changes in breathing and heart rate. Until they can maintain their body heat, they are kept warm in special beds called isolettes.

They are usually tube-fed or fed through a vein (intravenously), depending on their condition. Tube-feeding lasts until a baby is mature enough to breathe, suck, and swallow and can take all feedings by breast or bottle.

Sick and very premature infants need special treatment, depending on what medical problems they have. Those who need help breathing are aided by an oxygen tube or a machine, called a ventilator, that moves air in and out of the lungs. Some babies need medicine. A few need surgery.