Preterm birth
Preterm birth (also known as premature birth) is the birth of a baby at fewer than 37 weeks gestational age. These babies are known as preemies or premmies.
Pronunciation
- Preterm birth: /priːtɜːrm bɜːrθ/
- Premature birth: /priːməˈtʃʊər bɜːrθ/
- Preemies: /priːmiːz/
- Premmies: /premiːz/
Etymology
The term "preterm" is derived from the Latin words "prae" meaning "before" and "term" meaning "end or boundary". The term "premature" is derived from the Latin words "prae" meaning "before" and "maturus" meaning "ripe".
Definition
Preterm birth is defined as the birth of a baby before the standard gestational age of 37 weeks. This is often due to a variety of factors, including maternal health issues, genetic factors, and environmental influences.
Related Terms
- Gestational age: The age of an embryo or fetus (or newborn, in some instances) as calculated from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period.
- Neonate: A newborn child, or one in the first 28 days after birth.
- Premature rupture of membranes (PROM): A condition that occurs during pregnancy when the amniotic sac breaks before labor begins.
- Low birth weight: A term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams).
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU): A specialized unit of a hospital that provides intensive care for premature and sick newborns.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Preterm birth
- Wikipedia's article - Preterm birth
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