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This guide explains when a baby is considered premature, how early a baby can survive outside the womb. < Back How Early Can a Baby Be Born and Live? This guide explains when a baby is considered premature, how early a baby can survive outside the womb. Listen To The Article Welcoming a baby is a moment filled with excitement, love, and anticipation. But when your little one arrives sooner than expected, that joy can be mixed with fear and uncertainty—especially if you’re wondering how early can a baby be born and live . Thanks to incredible advances in neonatal medicine, a baby can survive at 28 weeks. Babies can be born as early as 22 to 23 weeks and survive with intensive medical care. Still, every extra day in the womb can make a significant difference in survival rates and long-term health outcomes. If you or someone you love is facing a premature birth, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through when a baby is considered premature, how early a baby can be born , and what to expect in those first critical days in the NICU. When Is a Baby Considered Premature? A baby is considered premature (or preterm) when born before 37 weeks of pregnancy . There are different classifications based on how early the baby arrives: Late preterm: 34 to 36 weeks Moderately preterm: 32 to 34 weeks Very preterm: Less than 32 weeks Extremely preterm: Less than 28 weeks Premature babies often need specialized medical care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), especially if born before 32 weeks. How Early Can a Premature Baby Survive? Medical advances now make survival possible for babies born as early as 22 weeks , though 23 weeks is generally considered the threshold. Survival rates improve significantly with each additional week of gestation: 23 weeks: 20–35% survival rate 24 weeks: About 50–60% survival 25 weeks: Up to 80% survival in top-tier NICUs 26–27 weeks and beyond: Survival rates rise further, with many positive long-term outcomes According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and research from The New England Journal of Medicine , every additional day in the womb increases a baby’s chances of survival and reduces complications. What to Expect in the NICU The NICU can feel overwhelming at first, beeping machines, tubes, and a baby who may look much smaller than you imagined. But it is also a place of hope, healing, and remarkable care. Your baby will be supported by a skilled team of nurses, neonatologists, and specialists dedicated to helping even the tiniest lives thrive. Premature babies may need help with: Breathing (ventilators or CPAP machines) Feeding (via feeding tube) Temperature regulation (incubators) Fighting infections Even the most fragile preemies often show extraordinary strength and resilience. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the earliest a premature baby can survive? A: Survival has been reported as early as 22 weeks gestation , though outcomes improve significantly at 23 weeks and beyond. Q: What causes premature birth? A: Possible causes include infection, multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets), preeclampsia, or issues with the uterus or placenta. Sometimes, the cause is unknown. Q: Can babies born at 30–34 weeks survive? A: Yes. Most babies born during this window do very well, often requiring only short-term NICU care. A Message of Hope for Parents of Premature Babies If you’re holding onto hope, you’re already doing one of the most powerful things you can for your child. Every day in the NICU is a step forward. Even on hard days, remember: your baby is stronger than they look, and you are not alone. Many preemies grow up to live healthy, happy lives. Celebrate the small victories—every breath, every feed, every milestone. Looking for Free NICU Care Packages? IIf you or someone you love has a baby in the NICU, Graham’s Foundation offers free NICU care packages to provide comfort, information, and encouragement to parents of premature babies. Our care packages include helpful resources, parent-tested items, and messages of hope from families who have been there. Order a Free NICU Care Package to support your journey or send one to someone you care about. Previous Next Send Comfort When It Matters Most Quick View Complimentary Preemie Parent Care Package Price $0.00 Quick View Premium Preemie Parent Care Package Price $25.00 Quick View Complimentary Loss and Remembrance Care Package Price $0.00 Quick View Complimentary (Digital) Preemie Parent Care Package - English Price $0.00 Quick View Complimentary (Digital) Preemie Parent Care Package - Spanish Price $0.00 Quick View Complimentary (Digital) Preemie Journal Price $0.00 Discover More Guidance, Comfort, and Care 18 Things You Might Not Know About Premature Birth 8 Thoughtful Things to Say (and Do) for Parents of a Premature Baby Adjusting To Your New Reality Early Intervention 101

Donations and support for premature babies and families in need to receive free care packages for nicu parents Become A Preemie Parent Mentor The Preemie Parent Mentor Program is at the heart of our mission. Thank you for your interest in our Preemie Parent Mentor Program. To get started, please review our program's guiding principles. These will help you determine if you are a good fit and ready to become a mentor. Next, apply to become a mentor. Our Preemie Parent Program Director will contact you for an interview and to assess your readiness. If the Program Director determines that you are a good fit and we have an opening, you will need to complete our training program to become a Graham's Foundation Preemie Parent Mentor. Apply Now Guiding With Heart and Experience Guiding With Heart and Experience. As mentors, we understand the delicate balance between listening and sharing. While your own NICU journey provides valuable insights, your first role is to create a safe space where parents can tell their stories and express their needs. We follow their lead in conversation, offering our experiences when helpful, while upholding our commitment to supportive, respectful mentorship. Timely Responses As our Program Director receives mentor requests, they are sent to the Parent Mentor who is the most appropriate match. When you receive an email, please follow up within 48 hours. If you are unable to do so, it is important to let the program director know right away. Comfort Sharing Your Journey The most effective support comes from a place of emotional readiness. As mentors, we've learned to share our NICU experiences with clarity and composure, offering parents the steady, confident guidance they need during challenging times. Acknowledge Your Role As mentors, we're here to support and encourage, while recognizing that medical guidance comes from your child's healthcare team. Our role is to offer emotional support, share coping strategies, and help you feel less alone – while always encouraging you to turn to your healthcare providers for medical decisions. Maintain A Sympathetic Approach We support with empathetic hearts and understanding ears, offering the kind of comfort that comes from having walked this path before. When parents have medical questions, we can share our personal experiences while lovingly guiding them back to their healthcare team for expert advice. Our greatest strength isn't in medical knowledge – it's in being a compassionate friend who truly understands what NICU life feels like. Attend Training and Conference Calls Your engagement matters. Maintaining open communication with our Parent Mentor Program Director ensures we're meeting parents' needs effectively. By staying present and involved, you help us provide the highest level of support to families navigating their NICU journey. Log Parent Communications As part of our compliance as a Parent-to-Parent partner organization, we must keep timely and accurate communication logs with preemie parents. Apply To Become A Mentor Contact First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Languages Spoken* Address Multi-line address Country/Region* Address* Address - line 2 City* Zip / Postal code* NICU Experience Are Your A Preemie Parent?* Yes No Gestational age your baby was born* Current age of NICU baby NICU Discharge Date* Length of recent stay NICU Journey Summary* Other Information Are you willing to respond in a timely manner?* Yes No What do you think would make a good mentor?* How did you hear about Graham's Foundation?* Submit

Get in touch with Graham's Foundation about how we can help you on your Preemie Baby Journey. Contact Graham's Foundation If you have any questions or comments or need to reach us for any reason, please fill out the form below. Submitting a contact form is preferred, as we are a small, virtual, and passionate team AND we also work part-time or volunteer, often at atypical hours. The contact form helps us understand the nature of the inquiry ahead of a discussion. However, you can also call us at (888) 466-2948. First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Subject* Message* Submit

Connect with preemie parent mentors from Graham’s Foundation for guidance, support, and understanding as you navigate life with a premature baby and NICU transition. Preemie Parent Mentors Every prematurity journey is unique, and you are not alone. Our mentors are more than just supporters – they're preemie parents who understand exactly what you're going through. Trained through Parent to Parent USA's evidence-based program, they're here to offer both emotional guidance and practical advocacy skills during this overwhelming time. Let us match you with someone who can walk beside you on your NICU journey. How it Works Take the first step toward one-on-one support from someone who truly understands. Our experienced preemie parent mentors are ready to connect with you through phone, text, email, or video call – whatever works best for you. Your mentor is here to listen, share, and support you through your family's unique journey. 1 Complete Intake Form 2 Get Matched with a Mentor 3 Get Support & Lifelong Friend Request A Mentor Our Preemie Mentors Connect with mentors who understand your specific challenges. Our volunteers are preemie parents who've navigated everything from feeding tubes to early intervention, micro preemie care to postpartum recovery. Whatever path your NICU journey takes – from managing lung issues to mastering breastfeeding – there's a mentor who's been there and is ready to support you. Ashlee C Preemie Mother Amanda B. Preemie Mother Amanda T. Preemie Mother Brendan H. Preemie Father Cori L. Loss within multiples Diana S. Preemie Mother Hannah B. Preemie Mother Holly S. Preemie Mother Jaclyn P. Preemie Mother Jasmine M. Preemie Mother Jennifer F. Loss within multiples Jessica P. Preemie Mother Johsie B. Preemie Mother Kristina M. Preemie Mother Laura K. Preemie Mother Lauren A. Preemie Mother Maurie H. Preemie Mother Meagan P. Preemie Mother Meghan R. Preemie Mother Mike C. Preemie Father Nicholle C. Preemie Mother Noelle Y. Preemie Mother Pooja L. Preemie Mother Rick S. Preemie Father Serena C. Preemie Mother Sheena G. Preemie Mother Tala M. Preemie Mother Vanessa D. Preemie Mother Vi V. Loss within multiples Request A Mentor Our Preemie Loss Mentors Our preemie parent loss mentor program offers support to parents experiencing the loss of their baby. We understand the unique challenges and grief associated with preemie loss. Our mentors have experienced similar losses. We offer a safe space for grieving parents to share their feelings and experiences without judgment. We can also connect you with resources and information relevant to your specific situation. If desired, our mentors can offer practical advice and coping strategies based on their own experiences. Our program is a supportive community that reduces isolation and fosters connection. Cori L. Loss within multiples Jennifer F. Loss within multiples Johsie B. Loss within multiples Nicole L. Loss mentor Michelle V. Loss mentor Vi V. Loss within multiples Request A Mentor Become A Mentor Your NICU story has the power to help others. Become a Graham's Foundation mentor and support families facing the challenges you once knew so well. Share your journey, wisdom, and understanding with parents of premature babies who need someone who truly gets it. Your experience matters – help us reach more families who need a guiding hand through their NICU journey. Become A Mentor

Discover the MyPreemie App by Graham’s Foundation—a powerful tool designed to support parents of preemies with tracking, resources, and expert guidance. MyPreemie App Guidance In Your Pocket MyPreemie is a complete toolkit for the unique practical and emotional needs of families of premature babies with content from the authors of the acclaimed book Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies. The app is available in English or Spanish, depending on your phone’s language settings. Features: Pocket Guide: Information on over one hundred health, developmental, and parenting issues of prematurity. Suggested Questions: To help you ask doctors and nurses about your premature baby. Diary: A beautifully illustrated baby book with prompts focusing on the experiences of prematurity to make it easy for you to document daily events, feelings, and photos. Trackers: Record your baby’s daily weight, length, and head size and compare those stats to preemie growth charts. Remember to Ask List: Automatically logs the suggested questions you tag with space to add your own, so that they’re handy when the doctor comes around. To Do List: To keep your tasks organized. Treasured Mementos: A checklist of objects for you to gather as precious keepsakes. Share: Easily update family and friends by sharing any page to Facebook, email, print, or save as pdf. Support thru the NICU Journey Thoughtful Care Packages for families facing premature birth Navigating the NICU can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our thoughtfully curated Preemie Care Packages offer comfort, encouragement, and practical support for families at every stage of the journey. Explore Care Packages

Find trusted resources and support for parents of premature babies. Graham’s Foundation helps you navigate the NICU journey, you NICU premature baby and beyond. Premature Baby Support Resources & Articles Filter by All Before Birth In the NICU Life After NICU 18 Things You Might Not Know About Premature Birth Discover surprising facts about premature birth to help you navigate this journey with insight and support. Read More > 8 Thoughtful Things to Say (and Do) for Parents of a Premature Baby Discover 8 heartfelt phrases and 5 practical ways friends and family can offer real comfort and support to parents of premature babies. Read More > Adjusting To Your New Reality Adjusting to life with a new baby is challenging, but life after premature birth can be even harder, especially with a preemie in the NICU. Read More > Early Intervention 101 While some NICUs offer detailed Early Intervention (EI) resource information, others provide only basic suggestions. Thankfully, finding services online is easy. Read More > Finding Hope in the Early NICU Days Navigating the NICU is an emotionally overwhelming experience, with medical complexities leaving parents relying on hope to cope. Read More > Finding Premature Childcare Choosing childcare can be especially challenging for working parents of preemies, who may be more vulnerable to the illnesses commonly found in daycare settings. Read More > How Early Can a Baby Be Born and Live? This guide explains when a baby is considered premature, how early a baby can survive outside the womb. Read More > NICU Glossary Here are some terms you may come across during your prematurity journey. Read More > NICU Survival Story: From a Preemie Parent Now that you have had your preemie - get ready to get comfortable (or at least as comfortable as you can) in the NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit). Read More > Premature Baby Loss & Remembrance Resources Coping with the loss of a premature baby is an incredibly challenging journey, and this article offers a compilation of additional resources to provide comfort, guidance, and support during this difficult time. Read More > Self Care Tips for NICU Parents The NICU journey can feel overwhelming – a whirlwind of medical terms, sleepless nights, constant worry, and emotional upheaval. Read More > Signs of Premature Labor Our Community's Stories. Each preemie journey begins differently. Here's what our NICU parents first noticed when their early labor started. Read More > Tips for Managing Cold, Flu, and RSV Season with a Preemie Cold and flu season can be terrifying for preemie parents, often called “lock-down” time to protect their baby from germs. Read More > What Preemie Parents Wish You Knew In 2017, we found out we were pregnant. But over the next months, a complicated pregnancy wreaked havoc while the life inside fought right along with me. Read More > What is Considered Premature and How do Preemies Differ? Preemies forge their own path from birth, defying typical developmental patterns and demonstrating unique resilience that begins in the NICU and continues long after. Read More > What to Expect with a Premature Baby | NICU & Preemie Parent Guide While some parents can prepare for premature birth, most enter the NICU unexpectedly. Here are nine key insights to help you navigate the preemie experience. Read More > Preemie Parent Talk Series Preemie Parent Talk Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Preemie Industry Talk with Peter Davis 30:18 Play Video Now Playing Preemie Industry Talk with Mikael Norman 32:46 Play Video Now Playing Parent Preemie Talk with Laura Gaddis 32:13 Play Video Now Playing Preemie Parent Talk with preemie parent and author Jenny Bernardo. 36:59 Play Video Download MyPreemie App MyPreemie is a complete toolkit for the unique practical and emotional needs of families of premature babies. Get App "I love this app, especially while little one was in the NICU, was able to track growth his care takers and development." Tiny Hands, Infinite Hope A Journey of Love in the NICU In 2013, the Miller family discovered the strength they never knew they possessed. Holding their fragile newborn for the first time, they experienced a moment of profound connection that would define their resilience and unwavering love. Share Your Story

Find trusted resources and support for parents of premature babies. Graham’s Foundation helps you navigate the NICU journey and beyond. < Back Loss & Remembrance Resources Coping with the loss of a premature baby is an incredibly challenging journey, and this article offers a compilation of additional resources to provide comfort, guidance, and support during this difficult time. Listen To The Article The loss of a premature baby is an experience that brings immense heartbreak, leaving parents and families navigating profound grief and unanswered questions. During such a challenging time, it’s essential to know that you don’t have to face it alone. This article provides a collection of additional resources designed to offer support, comfort, and understanding to those grieving the loss of a premature baby. From counseling services and support groups to educational materials and online communities, these resources aim to help families find connection, healing, and hope as they process their loss and begin to rebuild their lives. Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation Is on a mission to improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, infancy, and prematurity, as well as assist in the grieving process through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. Visit website ❯ Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death M.E.N.D. is a Christian, non-profit organization that reaches out to families who have suffered the death of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. Visit Website ❯ Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support Provides support toward positive resolution of grief experienced at the time of, or following the death of a baby. Visit website ❯ Postpartum Support International The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. Visit Website ❯ Saul’s Light Helping NICU parents get the necessary resources and emotional support they need in their time of crisis, and beyond. Visit Website ❯ Previous Next

< Back 18 Things You Might Not Know About Premature Birth Discover surprising facts about premature birth to help you navigate this journey with insight and support. Listen To The Article For many moms, the first signs of premature labor are obvious contractions. But for some, premature labor began with nothing more than a general “off” feeling or minor flu-like symptoms. A preemie mom’s milk will have extra minerals, fat, and protein, along with leukocytes and antibodies to help protect their preemies from infection, however, the overwhelming amount of pressure, along with stress and fatigue, make it common for moms of premature babies to face challenges with milk production. Half of all neurological disabilities in children are related to preterm birth. The cause of most preterm birth is unknown, which makes it very difficult to prevent. Umbilical and inguinal hernias occur more often in preterm infants. Umbilical hernias are usually self-resolving but inguinal hernias require surgery to correct. Severe cases of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice) can result in brain damage! Though it can seem a bit silly phototherapy is vital for preemies with severe cases. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart problem that’s relatively common in preterm infants. It may require surgery to repair the defect but in some cases it can be resolved with nothing more than a dose of ibuprofen. Research has found that moms who give birth within eighteen months of having a baby are much more likely to have a preemie. Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, Sir Winston Churchill, Victor Hugo, and Sir Isaac Newton were all preemies. Preemies are much more susceptible to infections than full-term babies because the transfer of maternal IgG antibodies to the fetus usually happens after the 28th week of pregnancy. Premature birth is the number one cause of neonatal mortality in the US. Race and gender can affect the outcomes of premature birth. Premature birth varies a lot. Preemies born 34-37 weeks are called late-term preemies and have fewer complications. Preemies born before 33 weeks are at risk for more conditions than late-term preemies. Preemies born before 25 weeks are called micropreemies and are at the greatest risk for serious health issues and long-term complications. Micropreemies are typically born with their eyelids still fused. Typically, they will open their eyes about six days after birth. Because fused eyelids are associated with earlier births, studies correlate fused eyelids and overall outcomes: 52% percent of babies born with their eyelids fused survived to be discharged from the hospital, compared to 83% of those born with eyelids open. Preemie skin may be very fragile, wrinkly, and red—especially in the earliest preemies. It’s also much more permeable than a full term baby’s skin, making them more vulnerable to infection and less able to regulate their temperature. A preemie’s development may be evaluated according to an “adjusted age,” which is their chronological age minus the difference between birth date and due date. The first line of treatment for incidents of apnea of prematurity (where breathing stops for more than 15 seconds) is often stimulation of the preemie’s skin by patting or rubbing—both of which can help a baby begin breathing again. Parents of preemies are at risk for developing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. But studies have shown that kangaroo care can reduce the chances mothers of preemies will develop postpartum depression or anxiety. There’s a lot we still don’t know about how preemies are unique! Results of one recent study suggested that preemies have fewer friends than their full-term peers but another study (one that showed that preterm babies are more affected by the quality of a care-giving environment) found that prematurely born children had better social abilities than their full-term peers when they were cared for in households with happy, nurturing parents. What does that mean for your preemie? Probably not much since your preemie is an individual who will forge their own path. Preemies and termies are clearly very different, but never forget that your preemie – however many challenges they’re facing – is also a baby worth celebrating. There’s no way to predict how far they’ll go in the next year or in a lifetime. The best thing you can do is give your baby every opportunity to explore their potential and love them as much as you can! Previous Next

< Back Tips for Managing Cold, Flu, and RSV Season with a Preemie Cold and flu season can be terrifying for preemie parents, often called “lock-down” time to protect their baby from germs. Listen To The Article We asked our preemie parent mentors to create a list of ideas to help other parents of preemies get through cold, flu, and RSV season. The tips aren’t just for parents of preemies, though! You can share this list with family and friends, because we can all do our part to protect preemies and other babies and kids who are especially vulnerable to colds, the flu, and RSV. Here’s what you need to do to get through winter with your preemie: Share the importance of FREQUENT hand washing with family and friends. Make sure all visitors wash their hands before holding your preemie. Visitors should also leave their shoes by the door to avoid bringing germs (and dirt) into your home. Smokers and anyone who has been around sick people should change their clothes before spending time around your premature baby. Ask visitors to leave their purses and bags at the door. These items can be full of germs! Put antibacterial wipes at the door so visitors to clean their cell phones (which are also full of germs). Have hand sanitizer in multiple locations around your home. Simply do not allow anyone around your preemie if they are sick , have been sick, or have been around someone who is sick. Be specific when asking about recent illnesses. Ask visitors if they are symptom free – are they/have they been free of a fever? Do they have body aches or chills? Do they feel run down or unusually tired? Do they have a scratchy throat or a cough? Stay away from crowds. Think carefully before attending any parties or family gatherings unless you can be 100% sure no one there will be sick. It’s okay to go outside and take a walk. If you find yourself with a beautiful day in your area, take advantage of it! Fresh air is not going to hurt your child. If anything, it will do you and your child quite a bit of good to be outside the house and in the fresh air (away from crowds). When you must take your child for a doctor’s appointment, communicate with the office ahead of time that you will be bringing a medically fragile preemie into the office. Make it clear that you need to be able to wait away from others in order to keep your child healthy. Ask your doctor if there is a separate waiting area away from sick patients. If not, ask if you can go straight to the exam room. Or if you can wait in your car until they are ready for you. If possible, schedule appointments early in the morning to minimize your preemie’s exposure to germs. Ask about the Synagis shot to help protect against RSV. While obtaining the shot is becoming more and more difficult, ask your doctor to advocate to your insurance company on your behalf. Those “Don’t Touch My Baby” sign are a must in cold, flu, and RSV season. Hang one everywhere – on the car seat, on your diaper bag, on the stroller. Do not be afraid of offending others. Keeping your child healthy is your number one priority. Shower or change clothes after doctor appointments or when older children or your spouse arrive home. Clothes are full of germs. You never know what germs you may have picked up that are now residing on your clothes. If possible, try to run errands alone on the weekend or in the evenings when your spouse or a friend can watch your preemie. Place signs in your house to remind friends and families of the procedures you have put into place and why they are in place. Remind them that your child has a weakened immune system due to their premature birth and that you are doing all you can in order to protect them this winter. If illness is keeping you from being able to see family and friends in person, connect with them virtually. Skype play dates, and FaceTime with grandparents. Even if it’s not in person, a little face to face time will help ease the tedium of the “lock-down” season. Most important, stand your ground. Yes. It is HARD to have to tell friends and family they can’t visit because they have been sick. You have put the “lock-down” into place to protect your child and they are your number one priority. If your friends and family insist on helping you in some way, ask them to make a meal and leave it by your door. Ask them to mail you a gift card or leave it in your mailbox. Even though they can’t see you and your baby in person, there are ways they can still help you. Previous Next