What characteristic defines a late preterm infant like Adam?

A late preterm infant is specifically defined as one that is born between 34 to 36 weeks of gestation. This classification is important as late preterm infants, though not as premature as those born before 34 weeks, still face higher risks for various health issues compared to infants born at full term. These can include respiratory difficulties, feeding challenges, and temperature regulation problems due to their underdeveloped systems.

While the other options highlight different aspects of premature birth or infant health, they do not accurately capture the specific gestational age range that defines a late preterm infant. For instance, those born before 28 weeks are classified as very preterm, and congenital defects or low birth weight can occur across a variety of gestational ages, not limited to late preterm. Hence, defining a late preterm infant relies specifically on their gestational age at birth, which underpins their classification in the context of pediatric care.