What is a Micropreemie?
A micropreemie or micro preemie is one that weighs less than 1000 grams, usually between 700-800 grams (1 3/4 pounds) and is born before 26 weeks of gestation. An average pregnancy is 40 weeks, with a weight of somewhere between 6 and 9 pounds.
In the late 1980's babies born before 26 weeks had about a 50% shot at survival. Today their survival rate is nearly 90%.
Dr. Hoekstra's Findings
Hoekstra found in the preemies he studied born from 1986 to 1989 one key to their survival is that they were remarkably resilient.
Even though some of the preemies in the group experienced problems ranging from poor vision to cerebral palsy (about 10 in the group) as a group they have been very successful. Nearly 90% finished high school and nearly 60% have continued on to college.
Dr. Hoekstra believes the key to the success of these micropreemies is eEarly intervention and parental support and follow-up.
"If you hang in there, a lot of these children will surprise you."You can read more about the Micro Preemies at the article on Type-A Mom.
A related article is on the Type-A Mom site under the NICU section of Mom Stages.More on the Micro Preemies
Fowler J. May 2009. When Miracle Babies Grow Up! People Magazine.
Dyer K. May 2009. Inspiration from the NICU as Micro Preemies Grow Up. Type-A Mom.
Glick P., Irish M., Caty M., Pearl R. 2000. Pediatric surgery secrets. Elsevier Health Sciences p. 321.
