When is a baby no longer premature?
The birth of a child is a special event, but sometimes it comes unexpectedly early. Every year, millions of babies around the world are born prematurely, which often means a time of uncertainty for parents. A frequently asked question is: When is a baby no longer considered premature? In this article, we take a closer look at the definition of premature birth, the development of premature babies, and when they are considered fully "caught up."
What is a premature baby?
A baby is considered premature if it is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. The normal length of pregnancy is approximately 40 weeks, with babies born between the 37th and 42nd weeks considered full-term.
Classification of premature births:
- Late premature birth : 34th to 36th week of pregnancy
- Moderate preterm birth : 32 to 33 weeks of pregnancy
- Very premature baby : Before 32 weeks
- Extremely premature baby : Before 28 weeks
The earlier a baby is born, the greater the challenges for its health development, as many organ systems are not yet fully developed.
When is a baby no longer premature?
The question of when a baby is no longer considered premature can be viewed from different perspectives:
1. Medical definition
Medically, a baby ceases to be considered premature once it reaches the 37th week of pregnancy. Babies born after the 37th week are, by definition, no longer considered premature, even if they are slightly behind in development.
2. Development and health
Premature babies often experience developmental delays in the first months or years of life. "No longer premature" in this context could mean that the child:
- Reached his age-appropriate milestones (e.g., lifting head, sitting, walking).
- No additional medical care is required.
- Has a normal weight and height compared to full-term babies.
A general benchmark for "catch-up development" is between 2 and 3 years. By this age, most premature babies have compensated for their developmental delays.
3. Psychosocial aspects
Parents of premature babies often report that they only stop perceiving their child as a premature baby when the child no longer has any special needs or medical challenges. This point varies from individual to individual.
Challenges and development of premature babies
Premature babies face a number of challenges because they are often unprepared for life outside the womb. However, their development can be positively influenced through modern medical care and targeted support.
1. Breathing
The lungs are one of the last organs to fully develop in the womb. Babies born before 32 weeks, in particular, often require respiratory support because the lungs do not yet produce enough surfactant (a substance that supports lung function).
2. Temperature regulation
Premature babies often have difficulty maintaining their body temperature because their fat reserves and immune systems are not yet fully developed. Incubators help take over this function.
3. Nutrition
Sucking and swallowing are often not coordinated in premature babies before 34 weeks. Therefore, many babies are fed through a nasogastric tube until they can drink independently.
4. Neurological development
The brain develops rapidly during the last weeks of pregnancy. Premature babies may therefore initially exhibit neurological deficits, which can often be corrected through targeted early childhood intervention.
How can parents support development?
Parents play a crucial role in the development of their premature baby. Here are some ways you can support your child:
1. Kangaroo method
This method, in which the baby has skin-to-skin contact with a parent, not only promotes bonding but also stabilizes the baby's heart rate, breathing, and body temperature.
2. Regular check-ups
Premature babies require close medical monitoring to monitor their development and, if necessary, intervene early.
3. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Therapies can help improve motor and sensory skills and catch up on developmental delays.
4. Breastfeeding or breast milk
Breast milk is especially important because it contains valuable antibodies and supports the immune system. Breastfeeding is often difficult, but expressed breast milk is also an excellent choice.
Milestones: How can you tell if a premature baby has caught up?
The development of a premature baby is assessed using corrected age data. The actual date of birth is ignored and the age is counted from the estimated due date instead.
Examples of corrected milestones:
- At 3 months (corrected) : The baby should be able to lift his head when lying on his stomach.
- At 6 months (corrected) : The baby reaches for objects and turns.
- At 12 months (corrected) : Most babies can sit and say their first words.
Tip: Every child develops individually. It's important that continuous progress is evident.
Long-term prospects for premature babies
Thanks to modern medicine, premature babies today have excellent survival rates, even if they are born extremely early. Studies show that most premature babies catch up with their peers by preschool age and can lead normal lives.
Potential long-term challenges:
- Learning and concentration difficulties : Some premature babies have a higher risk of cognitive delays or concentration problems at school age.
- Fine motor deficits : Premature babies may develop difficulties with fine motor tasks such as writing or crafts.
- Chronic health problems : Some children are at increased risk for respiratory diseases, vision problems, or compromised immune systems.
However, these challenges are by no means guaranteed and can often be minimized through early intervention, therapy, and a supportive environment.
Conclusion: Unique and strong
Being born prematurely often means a challenging start in life for a baby and their family. But with modern medical support, loving care, and targeted support, most premature babies can catch up on their initial developmental delays and live a healthy, fulfilling life. It's important for parents to be patient and celebrate their child's small progress. Every premature baby is unique—and strong.
Facts and figures on premature births in Germany:
- almost 675,000 births in 2023 in Germany
- of which about 53,000 were premature births
- 4,151 children were born before the 28th week of pregnancy, 5,479 children between the 29th and 32nd week of pregnancy
- Care in so-called perinatal centers
- currently 336 perinatal centers in Germany
Source: Quality Report 2023 (IQTiG)
