Delivery that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy is considered to be preterm birth.
Duration of a normal pregnancy is between 38 and 42 weeks (average 40 weeks = 280 d after the last menstruation = 9 months). A shortfall of the average duration of pregnancy of 40 weeks by 3 weeks is regarded as preterm delivery.
Neonatologists work in pediatric hospitals, perinatal care centres and brith clinics, above all. They are responsible for the - frequently intensive - care of newborns, e.g. when they have problems adapting to life outside of the womb.
Furthermore, they treat premature babies, babies from high-risk pregnancies, newbrns with deformities or babies being born sick or falling ill shortly after birth.
