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premature birth
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premature infant in NICU with wires taped onto their chest and face and a ventilator in the corner Premature birth birth: premature birth: premature
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premature birth: References & Edit History

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  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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  • J.E. Luebering
    J.E. Luebering is Senior Vice President and Acting Editor in Chief at Encyclopaedia Britannica.

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Noted the creation of the modern NICU. Aug 29, 2025
Added cross reference; updated U.S. preterm birth rates. Aug 28, 2025
Removed media. Nov 15, 2021
Added information on the increased risk of certain health conditions that emerge later in life among individuals born prematurely. Sep 10, 2019
Modified title of Web site: MedlinePlus - Premature infant. Nov 21, 2017
Media added. Jul 28, 2017
Added image of a premature baby receiving oxygen. Feb 02, 2012
Added mention of a gene known as FSHR, variations (polymorphisms) in which are thought to be associated with premature birth. Apr 15, 2011
Media added. Sep 07, 2010
Deleted "normal" in second sentence. Apr 14, 2009
Updated to include information on worldwide incidence of premature birth. Apr 14, 2009
Added new Web site: MayoClinic.com - Premature birth. May 26, 2008
Added new Web site: The Nemours Foundation - For Parents - A Primer on Preemies. May 26, 2008
Added new Web site: American Pregnancy Association - Premature Birth Complications. May 26, 2008
Added new Web site: MedlinePlus - Premature infant. May 26, 2008
Added new Web site: National Library of Medicine - Premature Babies. May 26, 2008
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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