Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2012
It is well recognised that birth before 32 weeks of gestation is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality and these risks have been extensively reported. The focus of perinatal research for many years has therefore been very preterm and extremely preterm delivery, since the likelihood and severity of adverse neonatal outcomes are highest within this group. In contrast, until recently, more mature preterm infants have been understudied and indeed, almost ignored by researchers.