Prematurity refers to the condition of a baby being born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. A full-term pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks, so premature babies are often smaller and may face various health challenges. They are classified based on their gestational age: extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks), very preterm (28 to 32 weeks), and moderate to late preterm (32 to 37 weeks). Premature infants may require special medical care, often in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Common issues include difficulty breathing, feeding challenges, and increased risk of infections. With advancements in medical care, many premature babies grow up healthy, but they may need ongoing monitoring and support.