dumb question, but im curious

soontobemomma91

Is there a certain age/ weight criteria for a baby being considered a preemie? For example, my daughter was born at 36 w 3d, but weighed 6 lbs 1 oz, spent no time in the NICU. would she be considered premature?

smileychic10986

Anytime before 37 weeks is considered premature.  I think past 34 weeks is considered a "late term" preemie.

At1stsight

Ditto smileychic. She's still premature, but hopefully you'll never have any complications related to it given that she had a strong start and was so close to being full term.

SWMcFarland

It actually depends on the hospital and their criteria.  However, the cutoff varies between 36-37 weeks.  Babies born before 36 weeks (and in some hospitals 37) are considered premature.  Babies born after 37 (or 36 in some hospitals) but before 40 weeks are considered preterm.

Weight has nothing to do with classification of prematurity. 

Sweets2005

I would consider her technically 4 days premature (since she was 4 days from 37 weeks) but really I would just sit back and enjoy your blessing. She is beautiful!

witt0198

By definition she's premature.

I do question the acurracy of EDD sometimes though.