If you're the new parent of a preemie -- a baby born earlier than 37 weeks -- you may have spent the last few days, weeks, or even months living minute-to-minute, focused on weights, measurements, and tests.

But as things settle down, you may start thinking more about what you and your child can expect in the next couple of years.

Most preemies grow up to be healthy kids. They tend to be on track with full-term babies in their growth and development by age 3 or so.

Your baby's early years, though, may be more complicated than a full-term baby's. Because they're born before they're ready, almost all preemies need extra care. They're more likely to have health issues and delays during their early years, and sometimes beyond.