Premature Babies Have Good Prospects for Happy Lives

Researchers at the University of Warwick in Britain conducted a long-term study of people born prematurely or with very low birth weight in Bavaria, Germany, and found they have good chances of living happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives as adults. The 34-year study, published in “JAMA Paediatrics”, followed 416 people, roughly half of whom were born prematurely.

Approximately one in five babies born before the 32nd week of pregnancy or weighing less than 1.5 kilograms experience difficulties with finances, friendships, and partnerships as adults. The study indicates that IQ plays a key role, decreasing by 2.3 points per week before the 33rd week of gestation according to previous research.

While over half of those born very prematurely demonstrated optimal functioning in areas like risk avoidance, prosperity, and social relationships, 18 percent scored poorly in these areas compared to just 1.5 percent of those born at term. Researchers suggest that increased focus on early cognitive development could further improve outcomes for premature babies.