There are many factors which will determine your premature babies chances for survival. Here are just a few very important factors:
- Gestational age at birth (number of completed weeks of pregnancy)
- The weight of the baby
- Indications of breathing problems or not
- The presence of any severe diseases, especially infection
- The presence or absence of congenital abnormalities or malformations
Premature baby: Born before 37 weeks
Moderately premature baby: Born between 35 and 36 weeks
Very premature baby: Born between 29 and 34 weeks
Extremely premature baby: Born between 23 and 28 weeks
Low birthweight baby: Weighs less than 2,500g (5.5 lbs)
Very low birthweight baby: Weighs less than 1,500gms (3.0 lbs)
Other factors may influence survival by altering the rate of organ maturation or by changing the supply of oxygen to the developing fetus.
Rupture of the fetal membranes before 24 weeks of gestation with loss of amniotic fluid markedly decreases the baby’s chances of survival even if the baby is delivered much later.
Male infants are slightly less mature and have a slightly higher risk of dying than female infants.
For a given weight, African-American babies have a slightly better survival than Caucasian; most other races are intermediate between the two
Diabetes in the mother, if not well controlled, slows organ maturation and these infants have a higher mortality.
Severe high blood pressure before the 8th month of pregnancy may cause changes in the placenta, decreasing the delivery of nutrients and/or oxygen to the developing fetus and leading to problems before and after delivery.
Premature Babies are “little fighters” so you will be proud at just how hard your premmie will fight to stay alive.
Information compiled from Meriter Health
Table source – NSW Neonatal Intensive Care Study (NICUS) data for 2001 – 2004
The subject matter provided in these articles is strictly for informational purposes alone and should never be used in the place of a doctor’s advice. Please ALWAYS contact your doctor if you ever have questions or need advice in any area where medical advice is needed or medication is suggested.
