The majority of babies born prematurely will make it to adulthood without any major health issues, according to new research.

In an extensive Scandinavian cohort study, researchers found there was a high prevalence of survival without any major comorbidities among those born prematurely, even though preterm births are known to be associated with cardiometabolic, respiratory and neuropsychiatric disorders in adulthood. There was an exception however. Outcomes were worse for those born extremely preterm (22-27 weeks).

The study is important, say its authors, as most previous research has concentrated on the negative consequences of the baby not making it to term.