Perinatal Care for the Extremely Preterm Infant

Being born preterm (prior to 37 weeks of completed gestation) is the leading cause of childhood death up to five years of age, and is responsible for the demise of around one million preterm infants each year. Rates of prematurity, which range from approximately 5 to 18% of births, are increasing in most countries. Babies born extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks ’ gestation) and in particular, in the periviable (200/7 – 256/7 weeks) period, are at the highest risk of death, or the development of long-term disabilities.
Source: Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Source Type: research