Preemies grow up to be less social

Liz Szabo • USA Today • July 19, 2008 USA Today Are premature babies born to be shy? New research suggests that children born prematurely are more timid and less likely to get married and have children. Researchers say they're just starting to understand how being born prematurely affects personality. Until 20 to 30 years ago, few premature babies survived. Even today, very small or premature newborns are much more likely to have serious health problems, such as cerebral palsy. But now that doctors can save most preemies — and some of the earliest survivors are reaching adulthood — researchers are accumulating evidence that even those without medical disabilities have more problems socializing or taking risks. Among the findings: The earlier babies are born, the less likely they are to marry, become parents or earn a high... [read full story]