Health Outcomes: 29 to 33 weeks GA
Breathing
Babies born this early may have lungs that have developed enough to allow them to breathe by themselves or with just a little help with supplemental oxygen therapy. Approximately 25% develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and 10% to 15% develop chronic lung disease (CLD). It usually resolves by the age of two.
Heart Function
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Approximately 30% of these preemies will have patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PDA will sometimes close by itself and in mild cases doesn’t require treatment. If the PDA is affecting your baby’s breathing or heart function doctors may try medication or surgery. Approximately 10% of these preemies need surgery to close their PDA.
Infection
Preemies born this early have a relatively small chance (15%) of developing an infection during their stay in the hospital. Approximately 75% of these prems survive with the help of antibiotics and increased respiratory and nutritional support.
(Dani, Poggi, Romagnoli, & Bertini, 2009; Johnson et al., 2009; Saigal, Rosenbaum, Hattersley, & Milner, 1989)(Anderson & Doyle, 2006; Bradford, 2003; Doyle & Anderson, 2005; Hack et al., 2005; Taylor, Espy, & Anderson, 2009)