The infant is placed under a warmer or in an isolette with controlled temperatures where careful observation and care can be given. Feeding may be administered by inserting a tube into the stomach, if the infant is unable to coordinate sucking and swallowing. Intravenous feeding may be indicated in extremely premature infants. Depending on the degree of prematurity, the infant may not start breathing after birth, or respiratory efforts may be inadequate to expand the chest and deliver oxygen to the body. In such cases, a breathing tube is inserted into the infant's trachea, and artificial breathing is delivered by a respirator.
Supplemental oxygen is given.
Nursery care is needed until the infant is able to take oral feedings, maintain body temperature, and achieve a body weight of about 5 pounds. However, other problems may complicate treatment, especially for very small infants, which could prolong the hospital stay. Prematurity was formerly a major cause of infant deaths. Improved medical and nursing techniques have increased the survival of premature infants. A greater chance of survival is associated with increasing length of the pregnancy .