What is Prematurity

A normal pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks (approximately) from the time of conception to birth; a premature birth is defined as delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation.

In Australia just over 8% of all babies are born prematurely and approximately 15% of all babies need admittance into a Newborn Intensive Care Unit or Special Care Nursery.

According to the 2008 annual Australia's Mothers and Babies report of the babies born prematurely in Australia in 2008

• 79% (approx) were born between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation 
• 10% (approx) were born between 28 and 31 weeks of gestation
• 11% (approx) were born at less than 28 weeks of gestation

   

Other terms often used for prematurity include "premmie", "prem" and "preterm".

 

Laws PJ, Li Z & Sullivan EA 2010. Australia’s mothers and babies 2008. Perinatal statistics series no. 24. Cat. no. PER 50. Canberra: AIHW.