Check this post for up-to-date statistics on the survival rate of preterm infants by weeks starting at 22 weeks gestation. And I'll also tell you a little bit about my own journey.
If you want to share yours, leave a comment below the article.
The risk of your baby being born prematurely can be extremely stressful. I know because I was there! However, the premature survival rate per week of pregnancy offers hope! Most babies actually survive, even if they are born prematurely!
First, a bit about my near birth story at week 25:
When I was pregnant with my first child, Iinvoluntarilyhave to learnSurvival rate of premature babies per weekof pregnancy
You've probably read in the newspapers about babies being miraculously born and saved just after 22 weeks of pregnancy. A few years ago in Germany, a baby survived birth before the end of the 22 week, setting a new record.
When I arrived at the hospital in the ambulance at 26 weeks pregnant with contractions every three minutes and dilating (and in a complete panic), the doctors and midwives were wonderful (and smart):
"Oh week 26, they said it's a big baby, don't worry. (But try to keep them in as much as possible.)
you wanted to reassure meto emphasizeit is a known factor in preterm labor. And it worked. I felt a little less panic.
And my baby whose birth was predicted by all the doctors involvedWithin hours, it actually stayed in my uterus until week 37. A little miracle. (And a lot of lies on my part.)
In this article I have compiled statistics ofcompleted the available research on baby survival rates per week during gestation from week 22 to week 33. During these weeks, the probability of survival increases on average from 21% to 100%.
Of course, statistics are just numbers, and each case of preterm labor is special. However, these percentages say something about the chances of our babies surviving if the pregnancy ends too soon.
If you are reading this, you may be in a very stressful situation where you are at risk of preterm labor or have already given birth to a premature baby. In that case, my heart goes out to you!
Please leave a comment forShare your thoughts and experiencesat the end of this article.
The baby's chances of survival if born early week by week
- Survival Options for Extremely Preterm Babies
- Survival Options for All Premature Babies
- conclusions and thoughts
- early care resources
Survival Options for Extremely Preterm Babies
When can a pregnant mother breathe a sigh of relief?What week is your baby big enough to survive preterm labor and hopefully develop normally in the future?
The answer is not so simple. Turns out it's not just thatweek of pregnancy, but also thebaby weightthat determines the chance of survival (as long as the child is healthy).
In addition, researchers have recently been able to identify two other factors that contribute to a given child's chances of survival:the genderand if the mother received it or notprenatal steroidsbefore the baby is born. The latter is a drug that favors the development of the baby's lungs.
But if you ignore the impact of all these different factors, you'll find this to be the case.average survival rates from one week to the nextthen for extremely preterm infants who have received mechanical ventilation necessary for the survival of the extremely preterm infant. (Statistics for older babies follow below)
Survival rates for extremely premature babies
- 22 weeks completed:21%Survive
- 23 weeks completed:37%Survive
- 24 weeks completed:60%Survive
- 25 weeks completed:77%Survive
Those:NICHD Neonatal Research Network (NRN): Extremely Preterm Birth Outcome Data
Supervision:22 completed weeks of pregnancy means that you have entered the23 weeks gestationetc.
Factors Affecting Survival Rates
babies what are theyheavier than average, they areChica,einzel(i.e. no twins or more) and/or where the mother is conceivingprenatal steroidsOver time, they generally have a higher chance of surviving than previous numbers.
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) developed a tool to help clinicians and parentsrough guidepossible premature survival rates in your particular situation.You can try the tool here.But remember that it is NOT intended to project the result onto individual babies!
Preterm survival rate per week for all preterm infants
Survival rates of extremely preterm infantsdrastically improvedin the last 15 years. In 1995, virtually no babies survived when they were born at 22 weeks gestation, while in 2008 21% survived, as shown above.
The most dramatic improvement was seen in babies born at 24 and 25 weeks. In 1995, 24% of babies born at 24 weeks survived, compared with 41% in 2005. By 2008, participation had increased to 60%, according to the previous study.
However, the first babies born at 22 and 23 weeks of pregnancy are apparently still hard to save. Although survival rates have also improved for these children, the survival rate isalmost doubledbetween week 23 of pregnancy and week 24.
After these critical weeks, the first few weeks of survival for extremely premature babies,premature survival rates are increasing rapidly. Combining the above statistics with 2005 data from Pediatrix Medical Group, the weekly survival rates for premature babies are as follows:
Survival rate of premature babies per week
- 22 weeks completed:21%Survive
- 23 weeks completed:37%Survive
- 24 weeks completed:60%Survive
- 25 weeks completed:77%Survive
- 26 weeks completed:85%Survive
- 27 weeks completed:91%Survive
- 28 weeks completed:95%Survive
- 29 weeks completed:97%Survive
- 30 weeks completed:98%Survive
- 31 weeks completed:99%Survive
- 32 weeks completed:100%Survive
- 33 full weeks (and beyond):100%Survive
Those:NICHD Neonatal Research Network (NRN): Extremely Preterm Birth Outcome Data
Pediatrix Medical Group Statistics, 2005, reprinted from Merck Manuals
Supervision:22 completed weeks of pregnancy means that you have entered the23 weeks gestationetc.
conclusions and thoughts
Going back to my situation, the doctors gave meto fight some milestones. The first one was forKeep my baby for 12 hours.. If I have that, theprenatal steroid injectionit would have helped mature my baby's lungs to breathe easier.
The second milestone, when things started to calm down (I was still in the hospital on IVs and requested full bed rest), was about as close as possiblefull week 28. Babies born after the full 28 weeks usually survive for the most part, and the risk of serious brain and lung damage is dramatically decreased.
the next goal was32 weeks completed. At this point a (healthy) baby will probably be bornno permanent injuriesno way.
Finally,35 weeks. After that, most babies are more or lessready to be born. They may be a little skinny and need help nursing, but with a little help they'll be fine.
So when to take that deep sigh of relief?
I would say if youEntering the 28th week of pregnancyYou'll most likely bring home a perfectly healthy baby, regardless of when labor begins. But compared to about 10 years ago, having a baby is in24 or 25 weeks of embarrassmentWith proper newborn care, your baby has a very good chance of survival.
¡Dulce!
early care resources
I hope you found this information on Preemie Survival Rate by Weeks and Factors helpful. At least for me, reading and learning about what to expect from my little (potential) preterm labor has helped me mentally prepare and calm down, which in turn could have helped keep my daughter inside me longer, who knows? .
Here are some helpful resources if you want to learn more.
- You will findVideos about babies in fetal development here.
- Here's the book that also captures the first year with a preemie:Preemie Care: A Guide to Navigating the First Year with Your Preemie
- This book is great:Early: An Intimate Story of Preterm Labor and What It Teaches Us About Being Human
- And finally, here is a very powerful and honest true story of a mother who shares her life with her unborn daughter.Premature: Lessons of love, life and motherhood
Share your own thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment below.:-)
FAQs
What are the survival statistics for preterm babies? ›
Two percent may not sound like much but it translates into many hundreds of infants saved each year. This study showed that even those delivered at 22 weeks — 18 weeks early — had a chance of living. With active treatment, about 28% of them survived; among those born at 23 weeks, 55% survived.
What is the survival rate of premature babies at 33 weeks? ›Fortunately, modern science has greatly improved the survival rate of babies born at 33 weeks. Babies born at this stage have a 95 percent chance of survival. On average, babies born at 33 weeks weigh around 3 pounds and 15.5 ounces (1.8 kilograms).
What is the survival rate of a 32 week premature? ›If your baby reaches 32 weeks of gestation (time in the womb) and is born at 32 weeks, they're moderate preterm. Babies born at 32 weeks have a survival rate as high as 95 percent. They also have very good chances of growing into healthy babies and children without any complications.
What is the survival rate at 34 weeks gestation? ›Preterm babies born between 31 and 34 weeks gestation have a greater than 95% chance of survival. Preterm babies have a better chance of surviving if they are cared for in a specialized nursery.
What is the survival rate at 23 weeks gestation? ›Survival among actively treated infants was 30.0% (60/200) at 22 weeks and 55.8% (535/958) at 23 weeks.
What is the survival rate of a 30 week preemie? ›Babies born between 30 and 32 weeks, while still considered preterm, have at least a 99 percent chance of survival. They also have very low risk of health and development complications later on.
What percentage of babies are born at 33 weeks? ›Of all babies: About 8 percent are born between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation (the time from conception to birth) About 1.5 percent are born between 32 and 33 weeks of gestation. About 2 percent are born under 32 weeks of gestation.
What is the survival rate of a baby born at 22 weeks? ›This study showed that even those delivered at 22 weeks -- 18 weeks early -- had a chance of living. With active treatment, about 28% of them survived; among those born at 23 weeks, 55% survived.
What is the baby development at 33 weeks? ›Your baby, or foetus, is around 43.7cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 1.9kg. That's approximately the size of pineapple and the weight of a laptop computer. Your baby's brain and nervous system are now fully developed.
Can a premature baby survive at 23 weeks? ›Babies born after only 23 or 24 weeks are so small and fragile that they often do not survive. Their lungs, heart and brain are not ready for them to live outside the womb without intensive medical treatment. There is a chance that your baby will survive, but also a chance that treatment could cause suffering and harm.
Can a premature baby survive at 27 weeks? ›
26 weeks: 8 out of 10 babies survive. Out of those that survive, 1 in 10 will have severe disability such as cerebral palsy, learning difficulties and problems with hearing and vision. 27 to 30 weeks: Approximately 9 in 10 babies survive and the risk of severe disability reduces with increasing gestation.
What is the survival rate for 25 weeks gestation? ›For babies born at 25 or 26 weeks the chance of survival if they receive intensive treatment is about 80%.
What is the survival rate of 35 weeks delivery? ›Among 35 to 36 week newborns who progressed to respiratory failure and who survived to 6 hours of age and did not have major congenital anomalies, the mortality rate was 0.8%.
Does preterm labor stop at 34 weeks? ›If you are showing signs of preterm labor and are less than 34 weeks pregnant, your doctor may administer a tocolytic medication to suppress labor and give your baby's lungs more time to mature. Tocolytics can reduce contractions, thereby delaying labor, for up to several days.
What is 33 weeks pregnant in months? ›How many months is 33 weeks pregnant? You're in your eighth month.
Can a baby survive at 23 weeks and 3 days? ›The more premature the baby is, the lower the chances of survival are. Very few infants survive when they are born at 22 to 23 weeks of pregnancy.
Can a baby survive at 22 weeks gestation? ›Today, many hospitals regularly treat, and often save, babies born as early as 22–24 weeks. Survival rates vary depending on location and the kinds of interventions a hospital is able to provide.
What is the survival among infants born at 22 or 23 weeks gestation following active prenatal and postnatal care? ›While none of the infants born at 21 weeks of gestation survived until discharge, the survival rates were 25.0% for infants born at 22 weeks and 58.8% for those born at 23 weeks. A total of 13 infants survived (40.6%), and 13 of 21 (61.9%) who received active care survived.
What are the survival rates for 30 weeks pregnant? ›Despite the possible health complications, the survival rate for babies born at 30 weeks is quite high. In areas that can quickly provide high-quality health care to newborns, the survival rate for babies born at 30 weeks is approximately 90–95 percent.
Can babies survive at 24 weeks? ›By the time you're 24 weeks pregnant, the baby has a chance of survival if they are born. Most babies born before this time cannot live because their lungs and other vital organs are not developed enough. The care that can now be given in baby (neonatal) units means more and more babies born early do survive.
What is the survival rate at 28 weeks? ›
Between 80 and 90 percent of premature babies who reach 28 weeks gestation survive. And only 1 in 10 preemies born at 28 weeks have long-lasting health problems.
What is the biggest risk factor for preterm birth? ›- You've had a premature baby in the past.
- You're pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets or more).
- You have problems with your uterus or cervix now or you've had them in the past.
Between 80 and 90 percent of premature babies who reach 28 weeks gestation survive. And only 1 in 10 preemies born at 28 weeks have long-lasting health problems.
What is the biggest concern with premature babies? ›Premature babies are more likely to have chronic health issues — some of which may require hospital care — than are full-term infants. Infections, asthma and feeding problems are more likely to develop or persist. Premature infants are also at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
How serious is preterm birth? ›Premature (also known as preterm) birth is when a baby is born too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed. The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of death or serious disability. In 2020 [PDF – 176 KB], preterm birth and low birth weight accounted for about 16% of infant deaths.
What is the safest preterm delivery week? ›The risk for neonatal complications is lowest in uncomplicated pregnancies delivered between 39 and 41 weeks. To give your baby the healthiest start possible, it's important to remain patient. Elected labor inductions before week 39 can pose short- and long-term health risks for the baby.
What are five 5 risk factors for preterm labor? ›The significant risk factors for preterm delivery were obesity (OR = 3.030, 95%CI 1.166–7.869), stressful life events (OR = 5.535, 95%CI 2.315–13.231), having sex during pregnancy (OR = 1.674, 95%CI 1.279–2.191), placenta previa (OR = 13.577, 95%CI 2.563–71.912), GDM (OR = 3.441, 95%CI 1.694–6.991), hypertensive ...
What are the 4 factors causing premature birth? ›High blood pressure during pregnancy. Tobacco and alcohol use. Substance abuse. Late prenatal care.
Can a baby born at 23 weeks survive? ›The more premature the baby is, the lower the chances of survival are. Very few infants survive when they are born at 22 to 23 weeks of pregnancy.
What is the number one cause of premature birth? ›Most preterm births happen spontaneously, but some are due to medical reasons such as infections, or other pregnancy complications that require early induction of labour or caesarean birth.
What is the earliest a baby can be born and survive? ›
By the time you're 24 weeks pregnant, the baby has a chance of survival if they are born. Most babies born before this time cannot live because their lungs and other vital organs are not developed enough. The care that can now be given in baby (neonatal) units means more and more babies born early do survive.
How many weeks is a full term baby? ›How long is full term? Pregnancy lasts for about 280 days or 40 weeks.
Can doctors stop preterm labor? ›If you are showing signs of preterm labor and are less than 34 weeks pregnant, your doctor may administer a tocolytic medication to suppress labor and give your baby's lungs more time to mature. Tocolytics can reduce contractions, thereby delaying labor, for up to several days.