Preterm Birth

Advances in technology have allowed premature infants to survive, and while the outcome of Amy’s preterm delivery was not what was hoped for, it is possible that in the future, triplets (or twins or singletons) who are born at 22 ½ weeks could have a high chance of survival if additional research can be done on this highly important topic.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 10% of infants born in 2020 were considered preterm, meaning they were born before 37 weeks gestation. Women who are pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) have a higher rate of preterm birth. (cite)

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that complications from preterm birth are the leading cause of death for children under the age of 5. The WHO categories prematurity as moderate to late preterm (32 – 37 weeks), very preterm (28 – 32 weeks), and extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks). The earlier a baby or babies are born, the more likely they will have severe complications or pass away. (cite)