Babies Born Almost Full Term May Face Delays

Thinking your baby is full term at 37 weeks, ready for your little one to come meet the world . . .

Scheduling a C-Section or inducing their arrival . . . you might want to think again!

According to a new study published in this month's Pediatrics Journal

Babies born up to a month early have been recently referred to as "near-term" infants, but recent studies have shown that they may develop problems shortly after birth that are similar to those affecting babies who have been born very premature, though not nearly as severe. These include breathing difficulties, problems regulating body temperature and jaundice.

Those problems usually require newborns to remain hospitalized for several days. The new study involved only late term babies born early, sent home within three days of birth, who were presumed to be otherwise healthy.

The researchers compared Florida public school records for 7,152 children born healthy but slightly preterm with those of 152,661 youngsters born full-term.

According to the study published in this month’s Pediatrics Journal, babies (in the study) born at 34 to 36 weeks were 36 percent more likely to have developmental delays including learning difficulties in kindergarten than those born during the 37th to 41st week of pregnancy, which is the range for a full-term pregnancy.

Besides more developmental delays, the preterm children also were more likely to be suspended from school and to be held back from first grade.

With all the other pressures our children face, isn't it best to give them the very best start! That means letting them arrive here when they are good & ready!