Premature baby. Premature baby on a monitor in an intensive care unit. A ventilator which is attached to the monitor (at upper left), maintains the child's breathing. Several wires emerging from under the baby's dress monitor heartbeat using an electrocardiography machine. Various drips attached to the baby's arms and legs will supply antibiotic drugs and iron and vitamin supplements. About 5-10% of babies in developed countries are born before 37 weeks gestation, often for no apparent reason. Of babies born at 28 weeks gestation and given specialist care, approximately 80% survive.