The average length of a pregnancy is 38 weeks. If a pregnancy results in a delivery before 37 weeks, it is classified as pre-term. A premature delivery can happen between 26 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. Any delivery below 26 weeks is extremely dangerous and poses a severe risk of permanent neurologic injury to the child. Even a delivery before 32 weeks represents a serious risk to the baby, as the lungs mature between 32 and 34 weeks. Because the lungs haven't fully matured yet, a child delivered earlier than the 32 to 34 week time frame may not receive enough oxygen to the brain, which is known as hypoxia. In addition, a child born before 34 weeks will usually require assistance with ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for the first few weeks. The NICU specializes in the care of premature or ill infants. Mother's who are expecting a premature delivery should seek out a hospital with a NICU.
Premature babies have a lower risk of brain injury the longer they stay in the mother before delivery. If a baby is delivered after 34 weeks, it will usually have a low risk of brain injury or permanent brain injury. The mother of an expected premature infant can also be given steroids to help decrease the risk of brain injuries and lung problems for the baby.
A premature baby may run into many medical problems, including having difficulty breathing. Preterm babies are at a higher risk for a brain hemorrhage. Additional organs such as the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system may be affected. A premature baby will be at a higher risk for infections, maintaining body temperature, and may even have difficulty feeding.
A premature baby who survives the birth may run into additional medical issues, including cerebral palsy, developmental delays, chronic lung disease, hearing, and vision problems. It is important that a doctor pays close attention to a mother expecting to deliver a premature baby. If you delivered a premature baby that has suffered injuries as a result of a doctor's negligence, you may have a case for medical negligence or medical malpractice.
