###Human: My wife has delivered a premature baby. Is it advisable to stay in the hospital for a long time? ###Assistant: Hi,  Welcome to icliniq.com. Do not get your wife discharged from the hospital until the doctor advises to do so.  A baby of just 5 months pregnancy is extremely premature. The baby is premature not only with respect to the age but also by the development of the respiratory system and brain.  Premature babies need tender care in the hospital. They can suffer from many health issues. These babies require nutritional support and prevention from infection. Apart from this, most of these babies develop apnea (cessation of breathing) due to the immaturity of their brain. Therefore, they need appropriate care in the hospital. So, you cannot take your baby home, till the baby accepts feed and does not need any medical support. At present, your baby definitely needs hospital care. For further details consult a child health specialist online --->