Prematurity

What are the characteristics of a premature baby?

These are the most common characteristics of a premature baby. However, your baby may show different characteristics of the condition. Characteristics may include:

• small baby, often weighing less than 2,500 grams (5 pounds 8 ounces)
• thin, shiny, pink or red skin, able to see veins
• little body fat
• little scalp hair, but may have lots of lanugo (soft body hair)
• weak cry and body tone
• genitals may be small and underdeveloped