Premature births account for about 5 or 6 of every 100 births. A premature baby is born before it is physically ready to leave the womb. Most babies born after 26 weeks of pregnancy have a good chance of living. Babies born too soon have not had time to completely develop their body systems. They have a low birth weight of 5 pounds or less. The average full-term baby weighs around 7 pounds at birth.

Premature babies often have medical complications. A baby born more than 2 months early is likely to experience serious problems. The lungs may be under-developed. Other medical problems include no protective layer of fat, low body temperature, and low blood sugar levels. Jaundice and folic acid deficiency may also occur.

Premature babies often require intensive care. They are placed in incubators which regulate their body temperature. Body functions are monitored and a feeding tube provides liquid nutrition. Parents are encouraged to spend as much time as possible in the intensive care unit. Bonding between the parents and baby can still occur while the baby is in intensive care.

Premature labor results from many factors including:
* anemia, malnutrition or having little or no prenatal care,
* a history of infertility, stillbirths, abortions, or other premature births,
* smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol,
* pregnancy in the teen years or when older than age 35,
* pregnancy with twins or triplets,
* acute conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, toxemia, genetic disorders, or gynecological problems,
* falling and sustaining internal injuries during pregnancy,
* working in physically or mentally stressful jobs,
* standing for more than 6 hours at a time,
* repeated stooping or bending below knee level after the twentieth week of pregnancy, or
* climbing stairs more than once every 2 hours after the twenty-eighth week of pregnancy.

Many premature births can be prevented. Keep all appointments for routine prenatal care. Follow your healthcare provider's orders. Be sure to get plenty of rest. Report any unusual symptoms, especially bleeding or leakage of fluids, or symptoms of labor immediately.

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