Premature birth occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed. A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, and babies born early may face various health challenges due to their underdeveloped organs. The causes of premature birth can vary and may include factors such as multiple pregnancies, infections, or chronic health conditions in the mother. Babies born prematurely may require special care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to help them grow and develop properly.