Premature Infants Under 23 Weeks in the NICU
Premature infants born at less than 23 weeks gestational age are generally too young and too immature in terms of development to survive. Most doctors do not consider this age compatible with life, and will opt not to resuscitate the baby at birth.
Often, much of the infant’s body is not able to sustain life, and is too underdeveloped to survive outside the mother’s uterus. This can include the lungs, heart, and brain, all of which are put under tremendous amounts of stress when born prematurely.
If there is a chance a baby will be born before 23 weeks, it is important the parents talk to their obstetrician about the options they may have. A neonatology team may also be consulted, which could include a neonatologist, neonatal nurse practitioner, or both.
