Every week your baby grows inside you makes a difference to their health.

Each year in Australia, more than 26,000 babies are born too early.

Most women go into labour naturally between 37 and 42 weeks.

Preterm babies are born before 37 weeks, while early term babies are born between 37 and 39 weeks.

The final stages of pregnancy are very important for your baby’s health. Their bodies are still growing and their brains are still developing.

Babies born too soon can be at risk of short-term and long-term health problems.

Risks of preterm and early term birth

Preterm babies are at risk of serious health problems, including:

  • breathing difficulties
  • gut issues
  • long-term lung disease
  • diabetes
  • vision loss
  • heart problems
  • feeding problems
  • jaundice.

Early term babies are at risk of long-term behavioural and learning problems.

As soon as you know you're pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about how to support a healthy pregnancy and reduce the chance of your baby being born too early.