How common are premature babies?

Question

How common are premature babies, and how often do they survive? I was born 2 months and a day early, weighing 2 pounds 6 ounces. Who else here was early?

Answer 1

I was 6 weeks early and weighed 6lbs even. I had lung problems and had to be in a hood for a week. I now have asthma. Prematurity is so common, especially in smoking or drinking mothers. Or women with other health issues.

Answer 2

It is more common than a lot of people think. My son was born almost 3 months early (11 weeks early). There are so many reasons that a baby can be born premature. There seems to be a huge rise in women developing Pre-eclampsia, and if it is severe they have to take the baby early. I know several women personally that have had this, and one has had it twice. Her first son was born at 24 weeks and he didn't make it. A year later her 2nd son was born at 25 weeks and he got out of the hospital about a week after his due date. I had placental abruption at 29 weeks with my son and had to have an emergency c-section. This is when the placenta tears away from the uterus. He was 2 lbs 15 oz. He is now almost 3 (Ine Aug) and he is 30 pounds and no delays.

Answer 3

I was not early, but I have 2 friends that had premature babies, one weighed 2 pounds 1 ounce and the other was only 1 pound and 9 ounces and they both surived.

Answer 4

Premmie babies are more common than most people realise, this all came to light when I had a premmie baby last year. Survival rate is usually dependant on how early they are born, babies born from 30 weeks have an excellent chance of survival. Babies born as early as 24 weeks are able to survive with the proper care that they need.

I was born 5 weeks early and weighed 5lb 9oz and my son was born 6 weeks early and he weighed 5lb 3oz.

Answer 5

I was born 6 weeks early and weighed 3 pounds. I was in inubator for a month. All organs were developed, just low birth weight. My daughter Jess was induced on her due date and was 6 lbs, 5 oz. I think survival is much better now.

Answer 6

Premature birth is defined medically as a birth occurring earlier than 37 weeks. Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks. About 10% of babies come sooner. A baby born within 37-42 weeks is considered full term. Prematurely born babies are sometimes called preemies. Infants born prematurely have an increased risk of death in the first year of life. They are also at a greater risk for developing serious health problems such as: cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, gastrointestinal problems, mental retardation, vision and hearing loss.

The causes of approximately half of all preterm births are unknown. In 2001, about 1 in 8 babies in the U.S (467,000 in total) were born prematurely. The shorter the term of pregnancy is, the greater the risks of complications. When conditions are permitted, doctors will attempt to stop premature labor, so that the pregnancy can continue to term, thereby increasing the baby’s chances at survival. However, in most cases there is little that can be done to prevent preterm labor. After being born, a premature baby will cared for in an NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). In the NICU babies are kept in incubators, a bassinet enclosed in plastic with climate control equipment designed to keep the baby warm and limit their exposure to germs. In some cases an oxygen-enriched atmosphere may be used, though this is avoided where possible as it can cause damaging side effects. They are released from the hospital when they no longer need the constant hospital care the NICU provides.

There are many factors that are related to premature births. However, the nature of the relationship between these factors and premature births are unclear.

Women who have tried to conceive for more than a year before getting pregnant are at a higher risk for premature birth. A recent study done by Dr. Olga Basso of the University of Aarhus in Denmark and Dr. Donna Baird of the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences suggests that women who had difficulty conceiving were about 40 percent higher risk of preterm birth than those who had conceived easily.

Previous pregnancies that were premature, or ended in miscarriage.
Uterine or cervical abnormalities.
Women 18 and under or over 35 are at a higher risk for premature birth.
Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy.
Substance abuse of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
Infections of the cervix, uterus or urinary tract. Certain STDs, Beta Strep.
Chronic disease such as high blood pressure , kidney disease and diabetes.
Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) are at a higher risk for premature birth.
Antepartum hemorrhage
Preeclampsia
Symptoms and indications
The following symptoms may indicate a possible premature birth:

Regular contraction (in childbirth).
A watery discharge from the vagina which may indicate premature rupture of the membranes surrounding the baby.
Pressure in the pelvis or the sensation that the baby has "dropped".
Menstrual cramps or abdominal pain.
Pain in lower abdomen or back.
Vaginal spotting or bleeding.
Treatments For Premature Birth
Anti-contraction medications
Corticosteroids - help to stimulate the growth of fetal lungs to produce surfactant
Possible delivery measures include:
Vaginal delivery

Episiotomy

Forceps

Cesarian delivery
Treatment measures for a premature infant:
Intensive care
Humidicrib
Breastfeeding - if possible

Answer 7

its not very common. My elder sister was born by 9 months, my elder brother by 10 months and myself by 11 months. So, my sis and myself were premature and post matured babies.