Babies born too early likely to face educational and behavioral setbacks

Medical professionals and educators have long known that early preterm births (before 32 weeks) can have significant consequences for children later in life. But what about preterm births that aren't quite so early?

Stanford researchers wanted to find out — and their investigation revealed that even moderate and late preterm babies are likely to face learning and behavioral challenges with far-reaching consequences.

The challenge

Late and moderate preterm births (between 32 and 36 weeks) account for up to 8.5% of all births in the United States. Those numbers had been rising since 1990, declined slightly from 2007 through 2014, and then began rising again in 2015.

Little has been known about the long-term risks of such preterm births, because most research has focused on the long-term outcomes of very early premature births (less than 32 weeks).

The solution

Gardner Center Executive Director Amy Gerstein collaborated with researchers across Stanford, including pediatric specialists, and created a novel approach that could pinpoint if there was cause for concern about long-term neurocognitive and educational outcomes following late and moderate preterm births.

Using a dataset matching hospital birth data with individual school records, they constructed a “virtual birth cohort” and analyzed risks for four educational outcomes for children enrolled in grades K–12: proficiency in English language arts and literacy skills, proficiency in mathematics, chronic absenteeism, and suspensions.

Key takeaways

Late preterm births had not been considered a risk factor beyond infancy, but Stanford research reveals that these infants are likely to face adverse neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes from kindergarten through high school.

Moderate and late preterm births are associated with increased risk of low performance in mathematics and English language arts, chronic absenteeism, and suspension from school.

In grades three to five, risks are particularly acute: Students demonstrated a 6-10% increased risk for below-proficiency skills, a 28% increased risk for chronic absenteeism, and a 23% increased risk for suspensions.

These indicators are associated with adverse impacts later in life, including mental health disorders, reduced access to college, and higher unemployment.

Solutions could include improved communication between health care providers and educators; improved prenatal medical care; and early-intervention programs like parent coaching and developmental supports during early childhood.