Postnatal Hospitalization Rates and Short-Term Follow-up Results of Late Preterm, Early Term, and Term Newborns

Objective: Late preterm newborns are defined as infants born at 34-36 weeks of gestation, while early term newborns are those born at 37-38 weeks. Late preterm and early term newborns have higher risks of morbidity and mortality compared to term infants. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in late preterm and early term newborns with reference to term newborns. Materials and Methods: A total of 1000 newborns born between 34 and 42 weeks of gestation in our hospital were included in this study. These cases were evaluated according to maternal age, birth weight, APGAR score, mode of delivery, need for postnatal resuscitation, family income, hospitalization rate, and need for mechanical ventilation. Results: Among the 1000 newborns included in the study, respiratory problems were more common in male newborns. As income levels increased, the rate of births closer to term increased. The hospitalization rate of late preterm newborns was higher compared to early term and term newborns while APGAR scores were lower. Finally, the need for mechanical ventilation was higher among late preterm newborns. Conclusion: In evaluations of late preterm and early term newborns, their physiological immaturity should be considered and it should not be forgotten that they have higher risks in terms of morbidity and mortality. Delivery should not be planned before the 39th week of gestation unless there is a medical indication.