preterm

[pree-turm]

adjective

1. occurring earlier in pregnancy than expected; premature.

   preterm labor.

noun

1. a baby born prematurely, especially one born before the 37th week of pregnancy and weighing less than 5½ pounds (2.5 kilograms).

preterm

/ ˌpriːˈtɜːm /

adjective

1. (of a baby) born prematurely

adverb

1. prematurely

Word History and Origins

Origin of preterm¹

First recorded in 1925–30; pre- + term

Example Sentences

"Understanding brain activity patterns in both term and preterm infants can help us identify those most vulnerable to injury at an early stage."

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People with a double uterus are at increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth but can have healthy pregnancies.

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A 2006 paper found that women with Arabic names had a higher risk of poor birth outcomes — including preterm birth and low birth weight — six months after 9/11.

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But evidence does show that physical and psychological strain — the kind people can suffer while detained — threatens the health of a pregnancy and can mean greater risk of preterm birth.

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There is some evidence that high fevers during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, can harm the baby, with a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or birth defects called NTDs, or neural tube defects.

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