Conditions often resulting from premature birth include

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Advances in technology have made survival of low-weight and short-gestation infants possible. The prognosis for these children varies depending on gestational age, weight, and the occurrence of anomalies and developmental deficits. There are documented cases of 12-ounce and/or 22-gestational-week babies surviving. They fall into the 1% of premature babies born at that weight and gestational age. Being born before the normal prenatal development is complete, these children often have many problems to overcome (see Figure 2-5). A primary risk is a cerebral bleed, which may occur during the labor and delivery process or may result from handling after delivery. The cerebral bleed may cause the development of CP, mental functioning deficiencies, or other neurologic conditions. Another major concern is underdevelopment of the pulmonary system, including the lung tissue and the airway. Some pulmonary conditions these infants experience are IRDS, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, and bronchomalacia. Lack of body fat can affect the maintenance of body temperature. Any stress or increased or high supplemental O₂ flow may be responsible for ROP and possible blindness. NEC is a danger in the digestive system because of the reduced tolerance of the alimentary tract. ASD and PDA often are present because the fetal circulatory system has failed to mature.

Conditions Often Resulting from Premature Birth Include