Defined as birth before 37 weeks, prematurity is more common than most people think. In Israel, 8% of babies are born premature. In the US the number is higher at 12%, one of the highest in the western world.
The age of viability is generally considered to be 22-23 weeks gestational age. Before this a baby cannot survive outside of the womb. There are varying degrees of prematurity that can (usually) predict the course of a child's NICU stay and the complication the child could face. (Avigayil was an exception to these guidelines.)
Babies born before 28 weeks are called extremely premature or micro preemies.
Babies born between 28 - 32 weeks are considered very premature.
Babies born between 32-34 weeks are moderately premature
Babies born at 34-37 weeks are considered late preterm.
Prematurity and its complications is the #1 cause of death in infants world wide. According to WHO more the 1.1 million children die every year due to prematurity. Sadly more then 75% of those deaths could have been prevented.
For more information please check out WHO's wesite as well as March of Dimes.
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