Survival of Infants Born at Periviable Gestational Ages

Abstract

Periviable births are those occurring from 20 0/7 through 25 6/7 weeks of gestation. Among and within developed nations, significant variation exists in the approach to obstetric and neonatal care for periviable birth. Understanding gestational age–specific survival, including factors that may influence survival estimates and how these estimates have changed over time, may guide approaches to the care of periviable births and inform conversations with families and caregivers. This review provides a historical perspective on survival following periviable birth, summarizes recent and new data on gestational age–specific survival rates, and addresses factors that have a significant impact on survival.