Read about various factors that can contribute to premature labour, such as smoking and infections. Steps can be taken to avoid premature labour.
Learn about premature babies. While premature babies can be born and develop normally, some may suffer growth and developmental problems later on in life.
This page contains information on book resources available for parents of premature babies.
Read about various behavioral problems that premature babies may develop as they grow. In general, the most premature babies are more at risk.
Although many premature babies do not encounter any academic problems, some do. For example, up to 50% of very low birth weight (VLBW) babies will have some problems in school by Grade 3.
Learn about possible outcomes for premature babies, which vary on the degree of prematurity and the severity and number of any complications.
Read about brain injury in premature babies. Depending on the situation, brain injury may or may not lead to permanent disability.
Learn about diagnosing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature babies. ROP is a result of abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye.
Learn about long-term outcomes for premature babies about to be discharged from the NICU. Most ongoing health concerns following discharge are minor.
Read about asphyxia in premature babies. Asphyxia is a lack of oxygen supply to body tissues, which has a negative impact on mental and physical health.
Learn about the methods of transportation necessary to accommodate premature birth, which is often an emergency event.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a rare but serious disease that affects the bowels of premature or newborn infants. Learn more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of the condition.
Learn about how well a premature baby might adapt to the world outside the womb, which depends on several gestational factors.
Find out about fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Read about infections and the immune system of premature babies. A premature baby is susceptible to infection because their immune system is immature.
Learn about patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This condition involves the ductus arteriosus remaining open. For some children, this condition is beneficial.
Information for parents about trisomy 13, a rare genetic condition that causes developmental delay and affects many different organ systems.
If a boy's testicles have not descended by the time they are three to four months old then surgery may be needed to prevent fertility problems later in life.
Read about diagnosis of periventricular leucomalacia (PVL). HUS (head ultrasounds) are required to confirm diagnosis of PVL in a premature baby.
Read about various nutrition and feeding consultants, such as dietitians, who work to ensure that premature babies receive proper nutrition.
Read about neonatal abstinence syndrome. In-depth information regarding the effects of certain drugs and available types of treatment are included.
Information for parents about trisomy 18, a rare genetic condition that causes developmental delay and affects many different organ systems.
Learn about what a premature baby needs to eat and how they can get proper nutrition, and treatments for feeding and nutrition problems they may face.
Important considerations a pregnant mother should make when planning for childbirth. Trusted Answers provided by Canadian Paediatric Hospitals
Read about ongoing care for a premature baby in terms of feeding and nutrition. Learn about what is normal, and what may be a concern.