The Basics of Prematurity

Prematurity is the greatest single risk factor for death within the first year of life. The March of Dimes and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define prematurity as birth before the completion of 37 weeks’ gestation. In 2002, one in eight babies were delivered prematurely. This manuscript is Part I of a three-part series on premature infants. The overall goal of this series is to educate pediatric primary care providers regarding topics specific to delivering care to premature infants after discharge. Part I addresses the incidence of prematurity and the terminology used in neonatal literature and provides an overview of common comorbidities associated with prematurity. Part II will focus on the primary care management of uncomplicated premature infants. Part III will highlight issues of primary care for medically complex premature infants.