Title: Premature Birth and Cerebral Palsy | CerebralPalsy.orgCerebralPalsy.org
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Premature Birth
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Content: Premature Birth and Cerebral Palsy | CerebralPalsy.orgCerebralPalsy.org
Premature Birth
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All babies born preterm are at risk for serious health problems, but those born earliest are at greater risk of medical complications, long-term disabilities and, in some severe cases, even death. Learn how medical advances have improved the chance for survival. How does premature birth increase the risk of Cerebral Palsy? While a child being born preterm can result in significant challenges for that child's death, advances in obstetrics and neonatology, the branch of pediatrics that cares for newborns, have improved the chances for survival. Premature birth, occurring before 37 weeks, is a risk factor for development of many medical conditions, including Cerebral Palsy. A pregnancy is considered full term when gestation lasts from 37 to 42 weeks. Infants born prematurely face a number of challenges. Their bodies and nervous systems may not have fully developed, which can cause complications such as breathing problems. In addition, the mother’s womb shields the fetus from infections and various abnormalities;