What is a common characteristic of preterm infants regarding their development?

Preterm infants, or those born before 37 weeks of gestation, often exhibit a higher risk of respiratory complications. This increased vulnerability is largely due to underdeveloped lungs and an insufficient amount of surfactant, which is crucial for keeping the air sacs in the lungs open. As a result, preterm infants may experience conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which is common because their immature lungs struggle to function effectively outside the womb.

Choosing a higher risk for respiratory complications accurately reflects the physiological challenges that preterm infants face, as well as the need for medical support and interventions to assist with their breathing and overall lung function during the critical early days of life. These infants require careful monitoring and often need supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation until their lungs mature sufficiently.