Premature Babies General Care

Premature babies general information
This section includes information such as what is a premature baby, what are the risks of having a premature baby, how can I tell if my baby will be premature, and why premature babies need special care.

What is a Premature Baby?

A premature baby is one who has been born less than 37 weeks into the pregnancy.

A very premature baby is one who has been born before 32 weeks into pregnancy.

Am I at risk?

The factors which cause babies to be born prematurely in Ireland or anywhere else for that matter, often remain a mystery but research shows that risk factors include:

• Pre-eclampsia (High Blood pressure)
• Preterm Premature rupture of the membranes
• Abnormal placenta
• Women carrying twins or other multiples
• Women under 17 or over 35 years
• Women who have already had a premature baby
• Women who have had terminations of pregnancy

How can I tell if my baby will be premature?

Many of the causes are unknown and your doctor is the best person to discuss with you, any risks that you may have of giving birth prematurely.