What is one of the key elements parents must understand about extremely preterm babies?

The understanding that prognosis remains limited either before or immediately after birth is crucial for parents of extremely preterm babies. Extremely preterm infants, typically defined as those born before 28 weeks of gestation, are at significant risk for a variety of complications. Medical teams may not be able to accurately predict outcomes due to the variability in individual cases, the immaturity of the infant’s organs, and the potential for unforeseen complications during the transition to extrauterine life.

As such, while healthcare providers can offer general statistics and potential risks, they must communicate to parents that each case is unique, and outcomes can change rapidly. This uncertainty can influence the planning and emotional preparedness of families as they navigate potential challenges with their infants, such as respiratory distress syndrome, neurological issues, or infections. It is important for parents to be aware of this nuance in prognosis to set realistic expectations and better engage with the medical care team regarding their baby's care and treatment decisions.