Can a being born 6 weeks early put a child at risk

[Anonymous]

Yes, there’s a clear link. That said it’s an increased risk. It doesn’t matter at all if random Adam on here is a ok. Some kids aren’t. You don’t know yet. The risk is indeed higher. The end.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 34 weeker - she was in NICU 10 days. She's almost 5 now and is extremely bright - early walker (9 months) and early talker (16 months was talking in 4-5 word sentences). 75% in height, totally normal. You would never know she was a 4lb preemie

I could have written this, except my 34 weeker was in the NICU 11 days and is now 6. My dd had regular check-ins with developmental pediatricians until she was 2. She did have some early issues that required OT but at 2 she was given a clean bill of health. They told me that any issues that developed as she grew up were probably unrelated to being born 6 weeks early. So far, she is doing greatly well and thriving in life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One article of many - Preterm Birth and Childhood Psychiatric Disorders:

https://www.nature.com/articles/pr9201188#:~:text=Preterm%20birth%20and%20LBW%20have,)%20(7%E2%80%9310).

Thank you.
“Epidemiologic studies identified preterm birth as a significant risk factor for psychiatric disorders.”

It's important to note that this article states that the risk is greatest in babies born at less than 32 weeks gestation. What OP is asking about, 6 weeks early, which would be 34 weeks gestation, is considered late preterm and is associated with better immediate an long term outcomes. Each additional week gestation is important.

This does not mean zero risk to 24 weekers.