A study released this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that babies born prematurely (before week 37) are at risk for health consequences into adulthood.  The study used data from tracking done by Norwegian doctors of 1.2 million people born in Norway between 1967 and 1988.

It has been commonly known for quite some time now that infants born before the 37th week of pregnancy were at risk for health problems as infants, however, little was known about the long term health consequences until now.   The study found that preemies were at a greater risk of death during childhood, were less likely to reproduce as adults, had slightly lower educational attainment, and were more likely to deliver their own children prematurely.  The more premature the infant was the more likely they were to suffer long term effects into adulthood.

Modern technology has made it possible for babies born as early as 22 weeks to be saved. However, as research is beginning to show the complications continue long after that premature baby has grown up.

Talk to your doctor about your risk for premature delivery and what you can do to help your pregnancy go full term.  If you had a premature baby talk to your child’s pediatrician about what you can do to ensure your child has the best outlook in life.