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Q: At what point can a baby, though premature, potentially survive outside the womb, provided it is in a hospital with the necessary equipment?
A: Depending on the care provided before and after birth and the developing baby’s health, a baby may survive as early as 23 weeks’ gestation. The possibility of severe problems decreases with each additional day spent in the uterus.
Premature babies require the care of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with nurses and doctors who specialize in their care, and with parents participating through holding and feeding.
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