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Health & Baby

Essentials for Baby

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Premature Infant - The Premature Newborn

A premature infant's health at birth is influenced by many things, including:

Gestational age at birth.
Weight at birth.
Maternal illness and medical treatment during pregnancy.
Congenital birth defects.

Most infants born at 36 and 37 weeks' gestation are mature enough to be discharged from the hospital with the mother. But many premature infants need care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Hospital care will be needed for:

While in the NICU or at home, many premature infants also need treatment for jaundice, infection, and anemia.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 14, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.