Long-Term Effects of Preterm Birth: What Parents Need to Know

ByTarin Hussain
Updated: 18 Dec 2025, 9:30 am

Long-term effects of preterm birth can show up at different points in your child’s growth. You might see slight delays in movement, speech, or learning, and sometimes changes in attention or behaviour. Every child develops in their own way, so these signs are not the same for everyone.

Pregatips
When your baby arrives before 37 weeks (preterm birth), it can leave you with many questions about how this early start might shape their future. You may wonder how it could influence their growth, health, or learning as they get older.
In this article:
Many babies born early grow well and reach their milestones with time. Still, some children may experience long term effects that continue into childhood or even adulthood. Talking about these possibilities is not meant to frighten you. It is meant to guide you so you know what signs to watch for as your child grows.

Effects on Brain Development and Neurological Health

When a baby is born early, it can affect how their brain grows and functions. These effects may not always be obvious at first, but they can show up as the child grows.
  • Cerebral palsy: This is one of the main concerns in preterm babies. It affects muscle control, movement, balance, and posture. This happens because certain parts of the brain either do not develop fully or get damaged around the time of birth. You may notice stiffness, difficulty with coordination, or trouble with fine motor skills as the child grows.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Children born preterm often face a greater risk of ADHD, which makes it harder to focus, sit still, or control impulses.
  • Learning difficulties and delayed intellectual development: These appear more often in preterm children. They might struggle with schoolwork, memory, or solving problems compared to babies born at full term.
  • Behavioural and social challenges: Some preterm babies develop behaviour problems or find it tough to communicate and get along with others.
  • Mental health conditions: Anxiety and depression can surface later in childhood or adulthood.
In severe cases, fragile blood vessels in the brain can lead to bleeding, which may cause long-term neurological disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These conditions can influence movement, learning, and overall development.

Respiratory and Lung Challenges

The lungs of a baby born early are often not fully ready at birth. This means problems that start in the newborn period can sometimes continue for years.
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD): It can develop in babies who need breathing support for a long time after birth. BPD leaves the lungs a bit scarred and more sensitive. Children may wheeze or have asthma-like symptoms that last throughout childhood and sometimes even into adulthood.
  • Higher risk of infections: Preterm children tend to pick up lung infections more easily and may need hospital care for breathing troubles even after leaving the neonatal unit.
  • Ongoing breathing difficulties: Many children may have asthma or need inhalers. They may also need extra care during colds, flu, or seasonal changes to avoid flare-ups.

Vision and Hearing Problems

Eyes and ears can suffer lasting damage if a baby is born too soon. These include:
  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): This happens when blood vessels in the retina grow abnormally. If it isn’t treated early, it can lead to poor vision or, in rare cases, complete blindness. Some children may need glasses, surgery, or lifelong eye check-ups to manage their eyesight.
  • Hearing loss: It can happen due to infections or certain medicines used in intensive care.

Cardiovascular Health Concerns

Being born preterm can also affect the heart and blood vessels in ways that only become clear later in life.
  • Hypertension: A higher chance of high blood pressure appears as the child grows.
  • Heart disease risk: This shows up more frequently in adults who were preterm babies.

Dental and Oral Health Issues

Teeth sometimes develop differently in preterm children:
  • Delayed or unusual tooth development: Teeth may come in later than usual, have discoloured enamel, or grow crooked.
  • Alignment and shape issues: The child may need orthodontic care later to straighten teeth or correct bite problems.

Challenges with the Digestive System and Nutrition

The intestines of a preterm baby are still maturing, which makes them more vulnerable to certain illnesses:
  • Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC): This condition affects the intestines in the first days of life and can cause scarring or blockages. Even years later, this may affect how well the child absorbs food and nutrients.
  • Digestive challenges after surgery: Some children who needed bowel surgery struggle to take in enough nutrients and may need special diets or supplements.

Increased Risk of Infections

Preterm babies have a harder time fighting off germs compared to full-term babies. They tend to catch colds, flu, and other infections more easily, not just as newborns but even during childhood. Simple illnesses can sometimes become serious quickly, so parents need to stay alert.

Overall Development and Daily Life

Being born early can affect a child’s overall growth and abilities too:
  • Physical development: Gross motor skills, like walking, running, or climbing, might take longer to develop. Fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil or tying shoelaces, can also be affected.
  • Language and speech: Some children may need extra support or therapy to help them communicate clearly and confidently.
  • Social skills: Taking care of oneself or mixing with friends can feel harder for some children.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Catching and treating any problems early can completely change a preterm child’s outlook. The sooner support starts, the better the results:
  • Physical therapy: It helps strengthen muscles and improve movement, making everyday activities easier.
  • Speech therapy: This can help with feeding, talking, and swallowing difficulties.
  • Educational support: To prepare the child for school and address learning gaps.
  • Regular checkups: These appointments help track a child’s growth, brain development, movement, hearing, vision, and heart health.
Understanding the long-term effects of preterm birth helps parents stay prepared and proactive. Keeping up with regular checkups, noticing any signs early, and starting therapies can make a huge difference.

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FAQs on Long-Term Effects of Preterm Birth: What Parents Need to Know

  1. Will a preterm child always be smaller than their peers?
    Not always. Many preterm children catch up in height and weight during early childhood.
  2. Can preterm babies breastfeed?
    Yes, many preterm babies can breastfeed, but they may need more time and support to learn the suck, swallow, breathe pattern.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr Rachita Munjal, Director & Senior Consultant – Department of Reproductive Medicine & Fertility, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon