HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Premature birth
Mō te whakawhānau pēpi wawe
Most pēpi (babies) are born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. They are called term pēpi. Premature pēpi are those born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Premature birth is quite common. Some pēpi are born just a week or 2 before term, while others are born extremely early.
About 10% of pēpi are born before 37 weeks and about 1% of pēpi are born before 30 weeks, which is classified as very premature.
Pēpi can survive outside the womb from 23 to 24 weeks, but the earlier they are born, the more likely they are to have lifelong problems. The nearer to term a pēpi is born, the fewer problems they are likely to have. This is because they have had more time to grow and develop in the womb.
Several factors can increase your risk of going into premature labour, including if you:
- have already had a premature pēpi
- are pregnant with twins or triplets
- smoke
- are underweight or very overweight
- have a medical condition such as diabetes, or high blood pressure
- have a problem with your cervix or uterus.
If you are concerned that you are going into labour early, contact your midwife as soon as possible. You may be able to have medication to stop or delay labour. This will give your pēpi more time to be prepared for birth.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Healthify He Puna Wairoa – Premature labour and birth
More information about premature labour. Includes why it happens, the risks and what happens after premature birth.
- Patient.info – Premature labour
More detailed information about premature labour. Includes warning signs, options and what premature birth will mean for your pēpi.
On the next page: Caring for a premature baby
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIPRE-439454
