Babies born very early in pregnancy are extremely small and fragile. They may weigh less than 2 pounds. They require specialized intensive care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Doctors and nurses who work in NICUs have specialized education to care for premature infants and their problems. Equipment in a NICU, such as incubators and ventilators, is made especially for premature infants and their special needs. Health problems for babies who are born prematurely may not end when the baby goes home from the hospital. They may need special medical care as they grow older.

The February 12, 2003, issue of JAMA includes an article about children who were born prematurely.

Early Problems for Premature Infants

• Inability to breathe or breathe regularly on their own, possibly requiring oxygen and a ventilator
• Bradycardia (low heart rate)
• Body temperature regulation (the baby cannot maintain his or her own body heat)
• Feeding and growth problems because of an immature digestive system
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and possible brain damage due to buildup of bilirubin, a blood breakdown product)
• Anemia (not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues)
• Infections

• Apnea, episodes of stopping breathing, which may require special monitoring, even at home

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic lung disease that may or may not improve as the child grows

• Hearing or vision problems related to immature nerves or treatment side effects

• Developmental delay and learning disabilities from brain damage related to immaturity

Preventing premature birth is important. Regular prenatal (before birth) medical care, avoiding any exposure to tobacco smoke, avoiding alcohol and illegal substances, and control of chronic medical problems are all ways that women can help maintain a healthy pregnancy to the full term.

For More Information

American Academy of Pediatrics
(847) 434-4000
www.aap.org

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
(800) 370-2943
www.nichd.nih.gov

Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media
www.kidshealth.org

Inform Yourself

To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at www.jama.com. They are available in English and Spanish.

Related JAMA Patient Pages

• JAMA Patient Page: High-Risk Infants (October 25, 2000, issue)
• JAMA Patient Page: Low Birth Weight (January 9, 2002)
• JAMA Patient Page: Delivering a Healthy Infant (March 27, 2002)

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Nemours Foundation (KidsHealth)

(JAMA. 2003; 289: 796)
Published in JAMA: February 12, 2003