Premature birth is the most significant risk factor for infant mortality globally.

Every year, approximately 15 million infants are born preterm, and an estimated one million children under the age of five die from complications associated with prematurity. Survival rates for premature infants have improved in the last few decades, thanks to advanced medical care and new technologies. However, prematurity remains a leading cause of disability in infants and children.

This article explores the gestational age at which premature infants have a greater chance of survival.

Defining Prematurity

Prematurity is defined as a birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. A full-term pregnancy is between 39 and 41 weeks. Premature births are further classified by the gestational age at which the baby is born.

Survival Rates by Gestational Age

The survival rates for premature babies depend on the gestational age at which they were born. Generally, the earlier the baby is born, the lower their chances of survival.

However, the survival rates vary across regions and countries, depending on the quality of neonatal care.

Less than 23 Weeks Gestation

Babies born before 23 weeks have a very low chance of survival. Most infants born this early do not survive, and those who do are at high risk of serious complications, such as brain damage, chronic lung disease, and cerebral palsy.

Hospitals typically do not offer resuscitation for infants born before 23 weeks of gestation because of the very low chance of survival and high risk of severe complications.

23-24 Weeks Gestation

Babies born between 23 and 24 weeks have a slightly better chance of survival than those born earlier, but it is still very low.

The survival rates for infants born at this gestational age range between 15 and 50 percent, depending on the quality of care offered by the hospital. These premature infants are at high risk of complications such as vision, hearing, and cognitive impairment, and they may require lifelong medical care.

25-26 Weeks Gestation

Infants born between 25 and 26 weeks have a higher chance of survival than those born earlier, and the survival rates continue to improve as the infant’s gestational age increases.

The survival rates for infants born at this gestational age range between 50 and 80 percent, depending on the quality of care provided. Infants born at this gestational age still face a high risk of complications, including respiratory problems, vision, and hearing impairment, and cognitive difficulties.

Infants who survive premature birth at this gestational age will likely require long-term medical follow-up.

27-28 Weeks Gestation

The survival rates for infants born between 27 and 28 weeks of gestation are even higher, ranging from 90 to 95 percent.

Infants born at this gestational age still require specialized neonatal care, but their risk of complications decreases as their gestational age increases. They may experience respiratory problems and need breathing support but can otherwise develop fairly normally with appropriate medical care.

29-30 Weeks Gestation

The survival rates for infants born between 29 and 30 weeks of gestation are even higher than those born earlier, and they continue to improve as gestational age increases.

Infants born at this gestational age range from 95 to 98 percent survival rate, depending on the quality of care provided. The infants require neonatal care for a shorter time and have a reduced risk of complications, such as vision, hearing, and cognitive impairments.

31-36 Weeks Gestation

The survival rates for infants born between 31 and 36 weeks of gestation are almost the same as those of full-term pregnancies.

Infants born at this gestational age rarely have long-term complications and experience fewer respiratory difficulties compared to those born earlier. The survival rates range between 98 to 99 percent depending on the quality of care provided by the hospital. These infants typically spend a few weeks in neonatal intensive care for monitoring and medical care before being discharged home.

Conclusion

Infants born prematurely face a high risk of complications and require specialized neonatal care, but advances in medical care and technology have improved their chances of survival.

The gestational age at which premature infants have a greater chance of survival is between 29 and 30 weeks, depending on the quality of care provided. Hospitals continue to strive to improve the survival rates for premature infants through education, research, and improved neonatal care.