Prematurity and the obstetrician

Modem-day perinatal care has resulted in dramatically improved outcomes of premature infants, particularly those weighing 750 to 1,500 gm or of 27 to 32 weeks' gestational age. Assuming that the birth is not traumatic, the infant asphyxiated, or made hypothermic at birth, the chances of the very small premature baby developing normally are great. The delivery of an infant of ≤32 weeks' gestational age or weighing < 1,500 gm should occur at a perinatal center when possible.