The Premature Infant

Infants delivered prior to 38 weeks of gestation are considered to be premature. In many cases, premature infants are subject to medical complications due to their incomplete development prior to delivery. The degree of prematurity has been classified as follows:

1. Borderline premature: 37 - 38 weeks
2. Moderately premature: 31 - 36 weeks
3. Extremely premature: 24-30 weeks

The major complications associated with premature infants are:

1. Body temperature stability
2. Respiratory distress syndrome
3. Infections due to prolonged rupture of the membrane
4. Neonatal asphyxia
5. Low tolerance to handling
6. Nutrition and hydration deficiency
7. Metabolic disorders
8. Apneic spells
9. Emotional aspects

Survival rates for premature infants increase with increasing age and weight. Data for one hospital during the years 1955 through 1970 in the United States [2] showed that mortality was 33% for premature infants weighing about 1000 grams. Data from 1991 to 1993 for another hospital showed percent mortality of 20% for this same age group.

• Shaleen's Story

• Links for Parents of Premature Infants

• Premature Infant Apnea and Infant Apnea

• The Relationship Between Apnea and SIDS

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