preterm

American  

[pree-turm] / priˈtɜrm /

adjective

1. occurring earlier in pregnancy than expected; premature.

   preterm labor.

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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 British  

/ ˌpriːˈtɜːm /

adjective

1. (of a baby) born prematurely

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adverb

1. prematurely

Etymology

Origin of preterm

First recorded in 1925–30; pre- + term

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preterm

At a routine 20-week checkup, however, she learned that she was suffering from preterm premature rupture of membranes and that her baby would not survive.

From Slate ● May 4, 2026

Compared to pregnancies in adulthood, adolescent pregnancies have been associated with higher rates of low birth weight, preterm birth, and early neonatal mortality among infants.

From Salon ● Apr. 18, 2026

Speeding up data analysis could improve diagnostic tools for preterm birth -- the leading cause of newborn death and a major contributor to long term motor and cognitive challenges in children.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 21, 2026

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.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2025

The data showed no increases in miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births, major birth defects, neonatal ICU admissions, infant deaths, abnormal uterine bleeding or other pregnancy-related conditions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2025