3. Life at 26 weeks of gestation

Very preterm babies are not ready to be born. The womb is the ideal environment for a baby’s brain and body to grow and develop. The womb protects the baby from stimulation from the outside world. In contrast, babies born very preterm will experience bright lights, loud noises and painful medical procedures.

Listen to what a baby might experience at 26 weeks of gestation in the womb, and in contrast what a baby might experience being born at 26 weeks' gestation and cared for in a neonatal intensive care unit.