New Information on Premature Babies

Dan Frith

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A new study from the University of Texas Medical School shines some light on the issue of premature babies (preemies).  A normal term is 40 weeks from the mother's last menstruation.  The study tracked 4,450 babies born between 22 to 25 weeks' gestation.  The results might shock you!

The study found that girls survived much more often than boys.  Increased birth weight also improved the chances of survival.  The study's findings are harsh.  After 22 weeks in the womb, a baby boy weighing 1 pound has about a 14% chance of survival if given intensive care, and a 50% chance of a profound neurological impairment if he survives.  If the baby is a girl...the chance of survival goes up to 21%

The study findings are published in this week's New England Journal of Medicine.  This is valuable information for parents facing the issue of the birth of an extremely premature baby.