A baby can be born as early as around 22-24 weeks of gestation, although survival at this gestational age is extremely challenging and often accompanied by significant health complications.
The earlier a baby is born, the lower their chances of survival and the higher the risk of long-term health problems. The following categories describe different stages of preterm birth:
- Extremely Preterm: Born at or before 25 weeks of pregnancy.
- Very Preterm: Born at less than 32 weeks of pregnancy.
- Moderately Preterm: Born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.
- Late Preterm: Born between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy.
Survival rates increase significantly with each additional week of gestation, particularly after 24 weeks. Babies born before 24 weeks face extremely low survival rates, and even if they survive, they are at a higher risk of severe health issues. These issues can include:
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Due to underdeveloped lungs.
- Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH): Bleeding in the brain.
- Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC): A serious intestinal disease.
- Sepsis: Blood infection.
- Cerebral Palsy: Affecting muscle movement and coordination.
- Vision and Hearing Problems: Including blindness and deafness.
Advanced neonatal care, including specialized incubators, ventilators, and medications, improves the chances of survival and reduces the risk of complications for premature babies. While babies can technically be born as early as 22-24 weeks, the outcomes are significantly better with each week closer to the full term of 40 weeks.
