What happens when your baby is born too soon?

The baby will usually be allowed home by the time she's reached her original due date - provided she's steadily gaining weight, has learnt to sleep and eat and has no other ongoing serious medical problems. Parents will also be taught how to maintain her special care at home.

Premature babies are at risk from a number of conditions, simply because they have been born before the bodies and internal systems are able to cope on their own. A prem baby may need help breathing, eating, fighting infection and staying warm. However today's medical advances mean that even more premature babies, even some of those born on the very edge of the possibility to survive, are living beyond their early delivery, going on to overcome enduring health problems, and in many, many cases growing up to thrive with few, if any, ongoing problems.

For more information, help and support, go to:
www.bliss.org.uk
www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com
www.tommys-campaign.org

Get more support and advice on the Premature & Special Care Babies board