Premie Vs. Preemie: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

The English language is full of slang, and it is hard to keep track of all the terms. If you are not careful, you might accidentally use some slang (thinking it is a standard word in English) in your professional writing. However, this article will examine two English slang – “premie” and “preemie.” Also, we will consider when to use each word in writing. 

“Premie” and “preemie” are medical terms used to describe babies born before the full term of pregnancy. “Premie” and “preemie” can be used interchangeably when referring to premature babies. Also, consider using “premie” or “preemie” for babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

The two words are informal, a non-standard language used mostly in medical settings. Slang, generally, can include words and expressions that are not found in formal speech or writing. This article will examine the definitions, usage, and examples of the words “premie” and “preemie” in detail.

What Do The Words “Premie” And “Preemie” Mean?

“Premie” means a baby born before it reaches 37 weeks. This can also be called a “preterm birth.” Premature babies have special needs because their bodies are not fully developed yet, and they cannot regulate things like temperature, blood pressure, and breathing on their own.

For most babies, the typical length of pregnancy is 40 weeks. But some conditions can lead to premature births. “Premies” are at higher risk for health problems because their organs and bodies are not fully developed.

“Preemies” are often treated in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Premature babies who are medically stable may be able to go home with their families after spending some time in the NICU.

“Premies” face many challenges in the first few years of life that other children do not have to deal with. They may have trouble learning to eat, drinking from a bottle or sippy cup, and using a toilet at an age when other kids are doing those things without problems. 

Also, “premies” are often small in size, which may make it difficult for them to breathe on their own at birth. In addition to being smaller than usual, a preemie’s organs might also be underdeveloped and require extra attention while growing up. This can mean that a premature baby will need special medical care beyond what is provided by regular pediatricians or family doctors.

A “preemie” may also have problems with their vision or hearing because these senses have not fully developed yet either. “Premies” may also have trouble feeding themselves or sucking on a pacifier because they are too small to hold anything in their mouths yet. They will need help from parents or caregivers until they are old enough for feeding tubes, if necessary. Premature birth can be caused by many factors, which will be discussed below. 

Infections are one of the most common causes of premature birth. You may notice a fever or fatigue if you are pregnant and have an infection. You may also experience pain in your abdomen, back, or chest. An infection may cause these symptoms in your uterus or fallopian tubes.

Another cause is previous premature birth, a leading cause of premature birth. A woman who has previously given birth prematurely or had a stillbirth has an increased chance of having another premature birth. 

Previous miscarriage is one of the causes of premature birth. If you have had a miscarriage, you have a higher chance of having another one, which can increase the risk of premature birth. 

Some medications can cause premature birth. If your doctor prescribes any new medications or changes your dose of existing ones, ask if they are safe during pregnancy and if they could cause premature birth.

Furthermore, placenta praevia is a condition in which the placenta attaches low in the uterus, partially or covering the cervix. The placenta’s location can cause it to separate from the uterine wall, leading to problems with blood flow and oxygen supply.

Polyhydramnios is a condition with more amniotic fluid than normal in a woman’s uterus during pregnancy. This can cause the fetus to grow too large for the uterus and be born prematurely.

The other word, “preemie” is the same as “premie.” The two words can be interchangeably in writing even though they appear to have different spellings. A “preemie” is a term that refers to a premature baby. The two words are pronounced as /ˈpriː.mi/.

“Preemies” are at risk for health problems because their bodies have not developed properly. Babies born early are also more likely to have lung, brain, and intestines problems. 

In addition, the consequences of premature birth include health problems and developmental delays or disabilities later in life. Also, behavioral and social-emotional disorders are common in babies born only a few weeks early (late preterm, 34-36 weeks). However, “preemies” born before 37 weeks may catch up after 12 months. They can engage in normal activities as a baby once they can up.

How To Properly Use the Words “Premie” And “Preemie” In A Sentence 

Using slang like “premie” and “preemie” is a fun way to turn your writing into a creative and playful way of communicating with others. It is also a great way to show off your personality and make yourself sound cool, but it is essential to know when to use them. This section will discuss how to properly use the two words in a sentence. 

You should use “premie” or ‘preemie” in a sentence where the context clarifies that the child is born before 37 weeks of gestation. For example: “My friend’s baby is a preemie.” This sentence would be correct because it identifies the child as being born before 37 weeks gestation.

Also, to properly use the words “premie” and “preemie” in a sentence, you need to know that prematurity is slang for babies born before 37 weeks. In other words, premature babies are “premies” or “preemies.”

Bulleted List Of Examples Of The Words “Premie” And “Preemie” Used In Sentences

“Premie” and “preemie” can only be used as nouns in sentences. Below are some examples of how to use them in sentences.

• The baby is a premie. He was born three months early.”
• The doctor told me my baby is a premie, but he is doing very well in the NICU.
• The premies are at risk for health issues such as breathing and vision problems.
• The mother had an emergency C-section because the baby was a premie.
• Obtaining newborn apparel that will fit your baby may be more challenging to get newborn apparel that will fit your baby if she is on the smaller side or a premie.
• When preemies do not receive enough oxygen during delivery or from being in an incubator for too long after birth, they might have health issues later.
• I have heard preemies are at a higher risk of complications, so we will be careful with her.
• Preemies need special care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), but they perform well when they have the opportunity to explore their bodies and brains.
• The preemie will likely be put on a special formula that contains extra vitamins and minerals; even if you want to nurse your preemie while in the hospital,
• Keeping a preemie calendar is a common way for parents to track their child’s development after birth.

Final Thoughts

You should use formal language in academic texts, such as research papers and essays. However, you should avoid using “premie” and “preemie” in formal writing because they make your writing sound informal and unprofessional. These two words are applicable for informal writing or speech.