The normal gestation period for a fetus is approximately 39 weeks. Any child born before the 37^th week of gestation is considered premature, according to the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. This date is calculated based on the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period and confirmed by ultrasound. It is essential to establish an accurate date of a pregnancy to diagnose a premature birth. Without the additional time in the mother’s womb to develop and mature, the baby is at a higher risk of medical and developmental complications.

The most common complication of premature birth is underdeveloped lungs, which is typically referred to as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In addition, premature birth is the leading cause of neonatal death during the first month of life. There are several factors that greatly impact the premature baby’s chances of survival and potential developmental challenges. These factors include:

• The baby’s gestational age (the number of weeks of pregnancy that have been completed)
• The baby’s weight
• Whether the baby has respiratory difficulties
• Whether the baby has any birth defects
• Whether the baby has any severe illnesses or infections

Although there have been many advances in obstetrics, the rate of premature births in the United States has not dropped in more than 40 years, but has increased somewhat, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

In 2004, just over 4 million births were recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over ½ million infants were born prematurely during that year – the highest number reported since 1981. The preterm birth rate rose two percent than the previous year to 12.5 percent, or one out of every eight live births. Although overall preterm birth rates increased for the non-Hispanic white and Hispanic populations, the highest rate of premature deliveries was found among the non-Hispanic black population at 17.8 percent.

In a baby’s first month of life, prematurity is the leading cause of death and disability, according to the March of Dimes. Premature birth results in one-third of all infant deaths in the United States, according to the CDC. In addition, the organization reports that deliveries of premature babies (or “preemies”) cost nearly 15 times more than deliveries of full-term babies. A primary reason is the length of hospitalization required for preemies. These babies are often hospitalized for days or weeks, compared to the average two to three days for a healthy, full-term infant.

Most full-term babies weigh an average of about 7 pounds at birth. This is a sharp contrast to preemies, who can weigh 5 pounds or even less. Premature babies exhibit certain physical characteristics. The more premature a baby is, the smaller the baby will be and the larger the head will appear in relation to the rest of the body.

Preemies also have less fat, which results in their skin appearing thinner and more transparent, making it possible to see the underlying blood vessels. The reduced fat means that the baby has less protection from cold or even normal temperatures. For this reason, most premature babies are placed in an incubator, which is an enclosed, climate-controlled bed that helps keep the baby warm.

Preemies are at risk for health problems, many of which are serious. However, those born between 32 and 36 weeks (84 percent of preemies) may have few or no complications, according to the March of Dimes. Those born earliest experience the greatest risk of complications, long-term disabilities and death. For extremely premature babies, the risk of mental retardation, cerebral palsy, lung and gastrointestinal problems and vision or hearing loss is much higher. Advances in the treatment of these tiny newborns during the past decade have improved the chances for survival, and helped to reduce some of the complications that may accompany early arrival.