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Premature baby's foot. Hands holding the tiny foot of a premature baby. Premature babies are those born before the normal 37 weeks of gestation have elapsed. Characteristically they have wrinkly features, downy hair called lanugo, irregular breathing and an inability to swallow. Premature babies are normally kept in hospital until they weigh 2.25 kg and are feeding well. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/MAURO FERMARIELLO) === ===