PREMATURE BIRTH Meaning and
Definition
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Premature birth refers to the delivery of an infant before reaching the full term of pregnancy, typically before the 37th week of gestation. This occurrence, also known as preterm birth, is a critical event that may pose various health risks and challenges for both the baby and the mother. The duration of a normal pregnancy is considered to be around 40 weeks, during which the baby undergoes crucial development and growth in the womb. However, when a child is born prematurely, they may not have had enough time to fully mature and develop within the reproductive system.
Premature birth is categorized into various levels depending on the exact gestational age at delivery. These categories include extremely preterm (born before 28 weeks), very preterm (born between 28 and 32 weeks), and moderate to late preterm (born between 32 and 37 weeks). The causes of premature birth can be diverse, including both maternal and fetal factors, such as infection, maternal health conditions, multiple pregnancies, and genetic factors. Additionally, certain lifestyle choices, including smoking, drug use, and inadequate prenatal care, can also increase the risk of preterm birth.
Babies born prematurely often require specialized medical care and interventions, including assistance with breathing, feeding, and maintaining body temperature. They may be at higher risk of complications, such as respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice, and infections. Moreover, premature birth can have long-term effects on the child's development, including potential neurological, cognitive, and perceptual challenges. However, with advancements in medical technology and neonatal care, many premature infants have the opportunity to thrive and lead healthy lives.
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The b. of a viable child, i.e. from early in the seventh month to full term.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PREMATURE BIRTH
- oremature birth
- lremature birth
- -remature birth
- 0remature birth
- peemature birth
- pdemature birth
- pfemature birth
- ptemature birth
- p5emature birth
- p4emature birth
- prwmature birth
- prsmature birth
- prdmature birth
- prrmature birth
- pr4mature birth
- pr3mature birth
- prenature birth
- prekature birth
- prejature birth
- premzture birth
Etymology of PREMATURE BIRTH
The word "premature" originates from the Latin word "praematurus", combining "prae" (meaning "before") and "maturus" (meaning "ripe" or "mature"). Similarly, "birth" is derived from the Old English word "byrþ" or "byrth", meaning "the act of being born". Hence, the term "premature birth" refers to a birth that occurs before the expected or normal time of gestation.
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