Study Shows Babies Born Prematurely Are More Likely to Suffer Serious Health Risks

Time Magazine: Study: The Health Risks of Late Preterm Births, by Alice Park:

In the largest study of its kind, researchers find that the risk of severe breathing problems rises significantly in babies born prematurely, even those born in the so-called late preterm period.

Health experts consider babies born at or after 37 weeks' gestation to be full term, and those born between 34 weeks and 37 weeks to be late preterm. (Preterm is defined as less than 34 weeks' gestation.) Many previous studies have shown that compared with full-term babies, those who are born too early are at higher risk of dying shortly after delivery and are more likely to suffer neonatal complications that require lengthy stays in the hospital. . . .