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During pregnancy, the infant grows in the mother's uterus (womb) usually for 38 to 40 weeks. When an infant is born prematurely (too early), the infant may require special medical care. The level of extra care needed often depends on how early the birth occurs. Premature (also called preterm) infants weigh much less than full-term infants because they have not had the full amount of time for growth inside the uterus.

Infants born very early in pregnancy are extremely small and fragile. They may weigh less than 2 pounds. They require specialized intensive care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Doctors and nurses who work in NICUs have specialized training to care for premature infants and their problems. Health problems for premature infants may not end when they go home from the hospital. They may need special medical care as they grow older.

The June 3, . . . [Full Text of this Article]

EARLY PROBLEMS FOR PREMATURE INFANTS

Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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