Gestational age at birth is now recognised as a reference standard related to the outcome and prognosis  of the preterm infant, together with birthweight. Mild prematurity refers to 32-36 weeks, which could be further subdivided into mild (32-33 weeks) and moderate (34-36 weeks) preterm birth. Mild prematurity accounts for the great majority of all preterm births. Although immediate neonatal outcomes are usually reported to be encouraging, this group contributed significantly to an excessive infant  mortality in the post-neonatal period (up to one year of age) from asphyxia related conditions, infection and suddent infant death syndrome.