A synopsis of premature baby survival rate The normal human gestation period from the time of conception until birth ranges between 37-42 complete weeks. Babies born between these periods are called full term babies. However, babies who are born before the 37th completed week of the usual cycle are referred to as premature baby survival rate. Statistics for pre mature/ preterm births: Studies reveal that in the United States alone about 12% of babies born every year are premature. Nearly 70% of preterm births occur between the 34 and the 36 completed week of gestation. Usually babies born in this time period are delivered through a C-section. Around 12% of preterm births occur between the 32nd and the 33rd week of gestation and chances drop to about 10% between the 28th and the 31s week of pregnancy and further fall to about 6% for preterm births occurring at less than 28 weeks of gestation. One out of every 10 preterm births result in severe disability such as complete deafness, blindness, respiratory disease, etc.
Let’s look into premature baby survival rate: Gestation period Survival rate 32nd – 33rd week 95% th st 28 – 31 week 90-95% th 27 week 90% th 26 week 80% th 25 week 50% th 24 week 39% rd 23 week 17%
Why do preterm births occur?
A majority of the preterm births occur on account of preterm labor which is self induced or owing to early breakage of the placenta also referred to as PROM – Premature rupture of the membrane. Though the exact causes of PROM and preterm labor are not fully understood some of the factors which lead to preterm births are as follows: History of previous preterm birth Development of bacterial infections such as vaginosis. Shortened cervix Sedentary lifestyle of the mother such as intake of alcohol, drugs, etc Severe stress and a lack of social well being Certain medical conditions of the mother like diabetes, high blood pressure levels, obesity or severely underweight prior to pregnancy Vaginal bleeding Short spacing between pregnancies
What factors determine the chances of premature baby survival rate? Gestational age during birth: The most important factor in the context of the odds of the premature baby surviving is dependent on the gestational age during birth. Baby weight: Preterm babies who weigh as low as 2.2 Ibs at birth have very less survival rate. Low birth weight may be due to failure of complete development of certain organs like the lungs, the brain, etc. Signs of respiratory ailments: In the absence of signs of any respiratory ailments, the baby may survive without much disability. Birth defects: If the child is not suffering from any kind of birth defect or abnormalities, intensive care can help to improve the survival rate and the overall health condition of the baby.
In conclusion, premature babies undoubtedly pose the risk of developing health complications and a common observation is that the earlier the preterm birth, the lesser is the premature baby survival rate and if the baby manages to survive it may run the risk of developing severe ailments either immediately after birth or at a later period.