Near-Term Babies May Face a Higher Risk of Problems

[jenny]

Anyone see this article in NY Times about babies born 3-6 weeks before due date having a harder time in school?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/health/30child.html?_r=1&ref=health

It's a small percentage, but curious if anyone has noticed anything in their kids.

[vludmilla]

Ugh, no, but DD is only 2.5. I like to think she is in the "clear" since she has been so healthy and her development has seemed so on target. I know it was only 1 percentage point higher than full term babies but I don't like to think of any increased chance of problems.

[DrSally]

I had read in general that near term babies (DD was 36 weeks) are at increased risk for subtle cognitive and behavioral problems. I mentioned it to the ped and he said 36 weekers grow up to be just like full term babies. I'm sure this is the case for the majority of near term babies, and he doesn't want to worry parents, but it is a concerning finding.