A study in the July 28 issue of JAMA finds that compared to infants born at full term, those born between 34 and 37 weeks are more likely to have severe respiratory illness, and this risk decreases with each added week of gestational age during the late pre-term period. Late pre-term birth accounts for 9.1% of all deliveries and 75% of all pre-term births in the United States.
Analysis found that for neonates born at 34 weeks, the odds of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were increased 40-fold and that risk decreased with each advancing week of gestation until 38 weeks. Even at 37 weeks, the odds of RDS are still three-fold greater than that of a 39-40-week birth. The study says that similar patterns were seen for pneumonia, ventilator requirements and respiratory failure.
Sometimes premature births and ensuing complications are the result of medical malpractice. If you or someone you know has experienced bad medical treatment in the delivery room, you need representation by an attorney who has a medical background. Contact Dr. Bruce G. Fagel at 800/541-9376, or visit online at www.birthinjurydoctorlawyer.com.
