Definition of Premature baby Premature baby: A baby born before
37 weeks of gestation have passed. Historically, the definition
of prematurity was 2500 grams (about 5 1/2 pounds) or less at
birth. The current World Health Organization definition of
prematurity is a baby born before 37 weeks of gestation,
counting from the first day of the Last Menstrual Period (the
LMP). Premature birth carries greater risks the earlier it
occurs before that 37-week goal. A baby born a little
prematurely may suffer few if any consequences. The earlier in
fetal growth and development that birth takes place, the greater
is the likelihood that life-support systems will be needed, and
the greater the risk for birth defects and death. Many
procedures are available to prevent early birth, from bed rest
to medications. If premature birth is medically necessary or
inevitable, however, it may be accomplished via C-section to
limit stress on the fetus and protect it from damage.
Colloquially, a premature baby is commonly called a preem