late preterm - defined by birth at 34 weeks 7 days through 36 weeks 7 days. They are less physiologically and metabolically mature than term infants. Thus they are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality than term infants. They are often the same size and weight of some term infants, born between 37 weeks and 41 weeks Because of this fact, late preterm infants may be treated by parents, caregivers and HCP as though they are developmentally mature, when in fact they are at an increased risk for complications. They need to be evaluated on an individual basis and if necessary suggest guidelines to identify and manage possible complications.
