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What are the risks associated with premature birth?
I might have my baby premature, through a c-section, if my blood pressure doesn't go down. My OB-GYN is really concerned. However, I want to carry my baby full-term if I can, I'm one and a half months away from due date. If I need to have my baby early, are there any risks associated with being born prematurely?
2 Answers
Of course the safest thing is to deliver at term, but delivering 6 weeks before the due date still results in 90-95+% survival with slightly high risk for long term issues. With each increasing week of continuing pregnancy, the survival chances increase and chances for long term issues decrease. Baby born 6 weeks early may have breathing problems, need for respiratory assistance, nutrition issues, and prolonged stay in hospital (probably 4-8 weeks). Wish you the best.
Yes, there are many kinds. I refer you to the March of Dimes page on prematurity.