What is a common risk factor for late preterm infants?

Hypoglycemia is a common risk factor for late preterm infants due to their slightly immature metabolic systems. Late preterm infants, typically born between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation, may not be able to adequately maintain stable blood sugar levels, especially when they are not feeding well or are exposed to stressors like birth complications or low birth weight. This immaturity can impact their liver function, glucose production, and overall ability to regulate blood sugar effectively.

While neonatal jaundice may also occur in late preterm infants, it is not classified as a risk factor but rather a common condition. Chronic lung disease and congenital heart defects, on the other hand, are generally more associated with extreme prematurity and other factors rather than being specifically common risk factors for late preterm infants. This makes hypoglycemia a notable concern that caregivers should monitor in this population.