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Premature, or preterm, birth refers to infants who are born at less than 37 weeks gestation; this descriptor applies to more than 11% of all live births in the United States (Martin J et al., Division of Vital Statistics. Births: Final Data for 2012. National Vital Statistics Reports 2(9): 87, 2013). While preterm infants are at risk for a variety of difficult-to-predict health complications, including multiple chronic health problems, their families are also at risk for difficulties associated with psychosocial functioning. This chapter provides clinicians with basic medical concepts specific to premature birth, an overview of common medical complications, as well as necessary information on developmental follow-up and best practices in working with the families of these medically fragile infants. Examples of integrated medical and psychosocial care are provided. |
