Premature birth is how many weeks?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on January 27, 2025
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Premature birth refers to childbirth occurring before full-term pregnancy. In contrast, the terms miscarriage, full-term birth, and post-term birth are used, differentiated mainly by the gestational weeks. Miscarriage refers to the expulsion of a fetus before 28 weeks of pregnancy, premature birth refers to expulsion between 28 and 36 weeks plus 6 days, full-term birth refers to expulsion between 37 and 41 weeks plus 6 days, and post-term birth refers to expulsion after 42 weeks of pregnancy. The definition of premature birth being set between 28 and 36 weeks plus 6 days mainly stems from the fact that during this time period, the fetus already has a significant chance of survival. However, the overall survival rate is lower than that of a full-term birth. It is crucial to promptly treat the newborn in cases of premature birth, while also preventing complications in the mother.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How to care for premature infants

The care of premature babies is very important. Since the physical resistance of premature babies is weaker than that of full-term infants, premature babies generally need to be placed in incubators to maintain body temperature. If an incubator is not available, methods such as using a hot water bottle for warmth can be employed, or putting cotton hats on the babies. During feeding, breastfeeding is an option. For very small babies who have poor sucking ability or uncoordinated swallowing functions, or for babies who are ill, the mother can express her milk, which can then be fed to the baby via a tube through the nose. Artificial feeding is also an option.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can premature birth be natural delivery?

Whether a vaginal delivery is possible in the case of preterm labor depends on the condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus, including the woman's birth canal, labor strength, the size and position of the fetus, among other factors. Generally, during a medical visit, a doctor will measure the woman's pelvis to roughly determine whether vaginal delivery is feasible. Women who experience preterm labor should go to the hospital for timely medical care and choose a hospital equipped for emergency services. If preterm delivery occurs, the baby's respiratory function may be relatively weak, necessitating the use of special equipment to assist breathing.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Premature birth refers to childbirth happening before the normal completion of pregnancy, specifically before 37 weeks of gestation.

Premature birth, as the name implies, occurs when labor happens too early. Premature birth is generally defined by gestational age, specifically when delivery occurs between 28 and 36 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. In contrast, miscarriage refers to delivery before 28 weeks; full-term birth refers to delivery between 37 and 41 weeks and 6 days; and post-term birth refers to delivery after 42 weeks of pregnancy. Premature birth can be quite harmful to the fetus, as during this period the fetus is smaller in size and less mature. If premature birth occurs, the survival rate of the fetus is relatively low. Causes of premature birth in clinical practice include vaginal inflammation, premature rupture of membranes, twin pregnancy, and shortened cervical canal. Therefore, prevention of premature birth should target these underlying causes.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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What are the symptoms of premature birth?

Premature birth refers to delivery occurring between 28 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy. The symptoms of premature birth primarily include the following aspects: First, regular uterine contractions occur. These contractions can lead to the descent of the fetal head and exert pressure on the cervix, which is necessary for the delivery of the fetus. It generally manifests as pain every three to five minutes, with each episode of pain lasting more than one minute, and both the frequency and intensity of the pain gradually increasing. Second, the appearance of "bloody show" occurs. As the fetus descends, it can cause the rupture of capillaries at the edge of the membranes, leading to bloody show. Third, there is a noticeable feeling of heaviness or pressure. Gynecological examinations can reveal dilation of the cervix and shortening of the cervical canal. When these symptoms appear, an assessment for premature birth should be conducted, and preparations for premature delivery should be made.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Preterm birth refers to how many weeks?

Premature birth refers to a baby born after the pregnancy has reached 28 weeks but before completing 37 weeks. Most of these babies weigh less than 2500 grams at birth and have poorer adaptive abilities compared to full-term babies. They require special care. Feeding premature infants can be challenging. They generally need to be fed breast milk or formula every two to four hours. Start by feeding once or twice; if there is no vomiting for six to eight hours, continue feeding some milk. Also, position the baby's head to one side to prevent inhalation of vomit.