Preterm births account for 12.5% of all births in the United States. The preterm birth rate has increased by 33% over the last 2 decades. Late and premature infants do not develop the serious and chronic conditions of the extreme premature infant. However, there is growing evidence that these infants are not as healthy as previously thought and do in fact have an increase in morbidity and mortality compared with term infants. This article summarizes the epidemiology of late preterm infants and the associated morbidities associated with their prematurity.
Key points
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Appropriate resources and personnel should be available to manage the late preterm infant.
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Late preterm infants are increasingly at risk for disorders of prematurity with decreasing gestational age.
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Parents, staff, and providers need to be aware that feeding problems are common and related to immaturity and gestational age.
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