YOUR HEALTH | Birth to 9

Special Care for Early Babies

New studies of neonatal brain development are changing the way hospitals manage premature births.

(Globe Staff Photo / David L. Ryan) Globe Staff Photo / David L. Ryan

By Tina Cassidy

December 4, 2005

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Since the 1970s, researchers have theorized that premature babies are likely to develop long-term problems - not only because they were born early but also because of the relatively harsh environment of newborn intensive-care nurseries. With premature births on the rise nationwide as well as in Massachusetts, new studies tracking preemies' development through the school years are getting special attention. (Full article: 623 words)