A baby can potentially survive if born as early as around 22 to 23 weeks of gestation, but survival at this stage is very challenging and depends on many factors including growth, anatomy, chromosomes, and access to advanced medical care
- Earliest survival: The current world record for the earliest surviving baby is 21 weeks and 1 day gestational age, though this is extremely rare and the baby weighed only 420 grams
- Viability threshold: Medical viability is generally considered between 23 and 24 weeks, with survival chances increasing significantly after 24 weeks. At 23 weeks, about 55% of infants survive with intensive care, but many face significant long-term impairments
- Survival rates by weeks:
- Around 22 weeks: survival is possible but rare and difficult, with fewer than 6% surviving before 23 weeks
* At 23 weeks: about 30-55% survival rate depending on care and conditions
* At 24 weeks: survival rates rise to approximately 60-70%, but with high risk of long-term complications
* After 28 weeks: survival rates are much higher, around 80-90% or more, with fewer severe complications
- Risks: Babies born this early face risks such as feeding difficulties, infections, brain bleeding, and lung immaturity. The longer a baby can stay in the womb before birth, the better their chances of survival and reduced complications
In summary, while babies can survive as early as 22 weeks with intensive medical support, the likelihood of survival and healthy outcomes improves significantly after 24 weeks gestation. Each additional week in the womb greatly enhances survival chances and reduces health risks
