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Sex a Factor in Preemie Survival

Gender, birth weight increase odds for newborns

By Eleanor Villforth, Newser User

Posted Apr 17, 2008 3:53 PM CDT

(Newser) – Gestational age is not the only factor determining odds of a very premature baby's survival, a study finds. Being female, receiving lung-maturing steroids before birth, an extra 3½ ounces of weight and being a single birth all help as much as an extra week of pregnancy, the AP reports. The findings will help doctors and parents decide on heroic measures to save a fragile preemie.

Gestational age%u2014the number of weeks from fertilization to birth%u2014is closely connected to chances of survival. In the study, 95% of babies born at 22 weeks died, while at 25 weeks, only about... (Getty Images (by Event))

The new study focused on 4,200 extremely premature infants born at hospitals across the country, focusing on babies born after 22 to 25 weeks in the womb. A full term is about 40 weeks. (AP Photo/Capital Health System, Laura Cann)

Half died within two years after birth. About 12% survived, with impairments like blindness, deafness or cerebral palsy. About the same number had even more severe physical or mental disabilities. (KRT Photos)

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Sex a Factor in Preemie Survival

Gender, birth weight increase odds for newborns

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Meet Chun Chun, China's Biggest Baby?

He weighed 15.5 pounds at birth

Health Ads Rip Family Bed for Baby

But critics slash horror 'co-sleeping' campaign, call it headline-grabbing distraction

Diaper Saves Toddler From Drowning

She bobs to surface after car goes into lake

Grieving Parents May Die Sooner: Study

Parents who lose infant at greater risk of early death themselves

Baby Thrown From Garage Dies

Charges against mom will be upgraded to murder

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Sex a Factor in Preemie Survival

Gender, birth weight increase odds for newborns

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

New England Journal of Medicine • baby • preemies • premature baby

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Meet Chun Chun, China's Biggest Baby?

He weighed 15.5 pounds at birth

Health Ads Rip Family Bed for Baby

But critics slash horror 'co-sleeping' campaign, call it headline-grabbing distraction

Diaper Saves Toddler From Drowning

She bobs to surface after car goes into lake

Grieving Parents May Die Sooner: Study

Parents who lose infant at greater risk of early death themselves

Baby Thrown From Garage Dies

Charges against mom will be upgraded to murder

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?