They can also be born at term and weigh less than 2500 grams. There is no perfect system for categorizing infants and both measurements, birth weight and gestational age, are used. Infants born more prematurely than 32 weeks gestation routinely require long hospital stays and usually require care in an Special Care Nursery . These infants are also at risk for long term problems. The risk of complications accelerates as gestational age decreases.
Some women are at much higher risk of prematurely delivering an infant than others.
Some of the risk factors are listed below. If you have any of these factors, you should discuss your risk of premature delivery with your doctor. You can reduce your risk of premature delivery. Regular prenatal exams, avoiding tobacco and recreational drugs, and immediately reporting any symptoms of premature labor all reduce your risk of premature delivery. The transition from inside to outside the womb causes the problems of prematurity.