A “preemie,” or premature baby, is defined as an infant born before 37 weeks of gestation. In contrast, a full-term baby is born at 37 weeks or later. Preemies often need specialized care immediately after birth, with the level of care depending on their degree of prematurity. Two terms are commonly used to describe this: “micropreemie” and “preemie.”
Medically, a micropreemie is typically defined as a baby weighing under 1 ¾ pounds (700-800 grams) and born before 26 weeks gestation. However, this definition is often broadened to include babies under 3 pounds (1500 grams) or born before 29 weeks. Micropreemies require extensive medical intervention to survive, but advancements in neonatal care have significantly increased their survival rates. Survival statistics for micropreemies can vary, ranging from 10% to 80% depending on gestational age and weight at birth.
Importantly, each day spent in the womb significantly increases a micropreemie’s chances of survival and reduces the risk of both short-term and long-term health complications. A micropreemie born before 23 weeks gestation has a very low chance of survival, potentially less than 10%.
Micropreemies often face numerous challenges due to their underdeveloped systems. These can include immature lungs, underdeveloped digestive systems, cerebral hemorrhaging, a high risk of infection, incomplete feeding reflexes, severe anemia, neurological delays, physical disabilities, and various long-term health issues. To support these fragile infants, medical interventions often include biliblankets, blood pressure monitors, cardiac monitors, endotracheal tubes, incubators (isolettes), intravenous pumps and tubes, nasal CPAPs, nasal gastric tubes, nasal prongs, oxyhoods, oxygen saturation monitors, phototherapy lights, pulse oximeters, respiratory monitors, synthetic surfactant, temperature probes, umbilical artery catheters (UACs), ultrasounds, and umbilical vein catheters (UVCs), and ventilators. Fortunately, more information than ever before is available to parents of micropreemies, empowering them to understand and address their baby’s unique needs.
The technical definition of a preemie is a baby weighing less than 5 ½ pounds (2500 grams). However, the general public often considers any baby under 7 pounds (3000 grams) a preemie. This perception is partially driven by the difficulty in finding appropriately sized clothing for smaller babies and a general lack of awareness regarding the specific definition of prematurity.
Preemies have a survival rate exceeding 90%. They typically require less intensive medical support than micropreemies, although they may still need some of the same equipment. Preemies are gradually weaned off medical support as they grow stronger and their bodies become capable of performing essential functions independently. The weaning process isn’t always linear.
As a preemie gains strength and requires less medical intervention, the focus shifts towards preparing for discharge. Parents receive training on how to use any necessary medical equipment at home and manage potential emergencies. Bringing a preemie home is a mix of excitement and apprehension as parents embrace their role as primary caregivers. These parents are incredibly resilient and attentive to their baby’s needs.
While many preemies may experience ongoing health issues throughout their lives, advancements in medical technology offer hope for managing and mitigating these challenges through surgery, medication, and other interventions. Understanding what it means to be a preemie is the first step in providing the best possible care and support.