Premature Birth: Causes, Complications and Care

November 19, 2024
new born baby hand hold mum index finger.

Ideally, babies are born 40 to 42 weeks after conception. This gives their bodies time to develop properly. Giving birth before reaching 37 weeks of gestation is considered preterm birth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10% of all babies born in America are premature and can potentially have health issues. 

“We know how stressful it can be to receive information that something might not be as you expected during the pregnancy or after,” says Ericalyn Kasdorf, M.D., Director of the Fetal Care Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, associate attending pediatrician at NewYork-Presbyterian Phyllis and David Komansky Children’s Hospital at Weill Cornell Medicine and associate professor of clinical pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine. “We really tailor your care so that it’s personalized to you and to your baby.” 

November is Prematurity Awareness Month. Take a moment to learn about the risk factors, effects and treatment of prematurity. 

Causes of Prematurity 

It’s often impossible to identify why a child is born prematurely. However, there are many risk factors that increase the likelihood of preterm labor, including: 

  • Age. Prematurity is more common in mothers who are younger than 16 or older than 35. 
  • Ethnicity. Black women experience premature births more frequently than women of other ethnic backgrounds. 
  • Health conditions. Women with kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease or urinary tract or other infections are at increased risk for giving birth before 37 weeks. 
  • Personal history. A previous premature birth increases the odds of another in the future. 
  • Prenatal care. Not receiving appropriate prenatal care makes preterm birth more likely. 
  • Socioeconomic status. Women with lower incomes give birth prematurely more often. 
  • Substance abuse. Using tobacco, amphetamines or cocaine increases the odds of early delivery. 

Risks Preterm Babies Face 

Because their organs are often underdeveloped, premature babies can face a variety of health issues. Some of these include: 

  • Anemia. A low level of red blood cells can cause low blood pressure, fast heart rate and other issues if not treated properly. 
  • Breathing issues. Shallow breathing and abnormally long pauses between breaths can reduce baby’s heart rate and oxygen in the blood. 
  • Cerebral palsy. Almost 50% of children born with this movement disorder were born before 37 weeks, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.  
  • Jaundice. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. Untreated, severe jaundice can lead to deafness, cerebral palsy and other issues. 

Caring for Preemies 

When it comes to caring for premature infants, intervention starts as early as possible. Experts at the Fetal Care Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian prefer to see the mother-to-be before giving birth.  

“If there’s the potential for any care or tests beyond all routine well newborn care, a Fetal Care Center consult is encouraged,” says Jessica Scholl, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine. “This allows the family to discuss next steps of care once the baby is born.” 

At the Fetal Care Center, a multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive services for premature infants. With a level IV neonatal intensive care unit, even extremely premature infants receive care in a private, quiet environment. 

Working With a Team  

During pregnancy, you may undergo ultrasounds and other imaging studies or tests that can help detect potential issues your child may face after birth. Based on your child’s risk, a team of experts comes alongside you to ensure your child receives the right treatment at the right time.  

Together, these experts provide quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. 

Serving You Along the Way 

While developing your child’s care plan, the care team includes you, the parent, in every decision. The team of experts goes out of their way to keep families engaged in their children’s care plan. 

“Our job is to provide parents and families the most accurate and evidence-based information about their baby,” Dr. Scholl says. “Then, we offer all the options that are available and support them in their decisions about what is really best for their families.” 

Depending on your needs, you can take advantage of one or more of the following services at the Fetal Care Center: 

  • Education and support. Navigating care for a premature baby can be complex. We welcome questions and go out of our way to ensure you understand your child’s condition and care options. 
  • Genetic testing and counseling. Specially trained genetic counselors help you understand how genetics may affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health. 
  • Komansky Family Advisory Council. Parents whose children experienced difficult hospitalizations offer support and encouragement. 
  • Resource connection. Social workers and case managers at the Fetal Care Center connect you to resources to help you adjust to life with your little one. 
  • Second opinions. The various pediatric specialists on hand at Weill Cornell Medicine can provide multiple perspectives. With this well-rounded approach, you can choose the best path for your baby. 

Meeting Baby’s Needs 

Premature babies have unique needs. Fortunately, they can all be met at the Fetal Care Center. Your care team may prescribe one or more of the following: 

  • Monitoring. Sometimes, your little one just needs to spend time in our NICU. There, our expert staff keeps a close eye on your baby, while you visit your baby anytime you desire. 
  • Surgery. When surgery is necessary, an operating room in the NICU keeps your baby close. Our team opts for minimally invasive techniques when possible, leading to faster recovery and smaller scars. 
  • Therapy. Your baby may gain strength and health through respiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy or feeding therapy. 

“The collaboration of care you’ll see at our center and with our teams is truly unparallelled,” Dr. Kasdorf says. “We have access to the best obstetricians, neonatologists and pediatric subspecialists, and we will make sure your care is coordinated so families can make the best decision in a supportive and compassionate environment.” 

The village of specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine is eager to help your baby return home safely and quickly. 

If you’re experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, contact the Fetal Care Center at Weill Cornell Medicine at 833-923-3825 for compassionate, expert care along your journey. 

Related Links

Podcast: Fetal Care Center Podcast: National Infant Immunization Week High-Risk Pregnancy: An Overview of What Can Go Wrong and How High-Quality Obstetric Care Can Help National Birth Defects Awareness Month: What You Can Do to Have A Healthy Baby Infographic: Newborn Screening Tests For Your Baby Raising Awareness of Preeclampsia: How to Protect Your Pregnancy

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In This Article

Clinical Service

Fetal Care Center Neonatology (Newborn Medicine) Maternal-Fetal Medicine (High-Risk Pregnancy)

Practice

Fetal Care Center Neonatology (Newborn Medicine)

Physician

Ericalyn Kasdorf Jessica Scholl