Full Term Baby vs. Preemie Baby

Attribute	Full Term Baby	Preemie Baby
Birth Weight	5.5 - 8.8 pounds	Less than 5.5 pounds
Gestational Age	37-42 weeks	Less than 37 weeks
Developmental Milestones	Meet milestones on time	May have delays in milestones
Health Risks	Lower risk of health complications	Higher risk of health complications
Length of Hospital Stay	Usually shorter	Usually longer

Physical Development

Full term babies are typically born between 37-42 weeks of gestation, while preemie babies are born before 37 weeks. Due to this difference in gestational age, full term babies are usually larger and have more developed organs compared to preemies. Full term babies are more likely to have fully developed lungs, which helps them breathe more easily. Preemie babies, on the other hand, may have underdeveloped lungs and may require assistance with breathing.

Weight and Size

Full term babies usually weigh between 5.5 to 8.8 pounds at birth, while preemie babies are often much smaller, weighing less than 5.5 pounds. Full term babies are also longer in length compared to preemies. The size and weight of a baby can impact their ability to regulate body temperature, feed, and grow. Preemie babies may need to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to receive specialized care and support.

Feeding and Nutrition

Full term babies are typically able to breastfeed or bottle-feed shortly after birth, as they have a more developed sucking reflex. Preemie babies, on the other hand, may struggle with feeding due to their immature sucking and swallowing abilities. They may need to be fed through a tube or receive pumped breast milk until they are able to feed orally. Preemie babies also have higher nutrient requirements to support their growth and development.

Health Risks

Full term babies are generally at lower risk for complications compared to preemie babies. Preemies are more susceptible to health issues such as respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice, and infections due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Preemie babies may also be at higher risk for long-term health problems, such as developmental delays or chronic conditions. Full term babies, on the other hand, are less likely to experience these complications.

Developmental Milestones

Full term babies typically reach developmental milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, and crawling, within the expected time frame. Preemie babies, on the other hand, may reach these milestones later than full term babies due to their early birth and potential health challenges. Preemies may benefit from early intervention services to support their development and help them catch up to their full term peers.

Parental Support

Parents of full term babies may feel more confident in caring for their newborn, as full term babies are generally healthier and require less medical intervention. Parents of preemie babies, on the other hand, may experience increased stress and anxiety due to their baby's fragile health and potential complications. It is important for parents of preemies to seek support from healthcare providers, support groups, and other resources to navigate the challenges of caring for a preemie.