Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks. A baby born 3 or more
weeks early is premature.
When a baby is born too early, he or she may have health problems.
Any premature baby can have medical problems. But those who are born before 32
weeks are more likely to have serious problems.
Babies who are premature may not be able to eat, breathe, or stay
warm on their own. Their bodies need more time to fully form. After they
outgrow the problems caused by being born too soon, most babies can safely go
home from the hospital.
