Final answer:
The incidence of cerebral palsy in preterm infants is highest in the group born at 22-27 weeks of gestation, decreases in those born at 28-31 weeks, further decreases at 32-36 weeks, and is lowest in term infants due to the increased development time within the uterus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The incidence of cerebral palsy in preterm infants varies according to different gestational ages. For babies born at 22-27 weeks of gestation, the risk of cerebral palsy is higher due to the fact that these infants have an underdeveloped respiratory and nervous system, leading to complications that can contribute to brain injury. At 28-31 weeks, the risk decreases as the fetuses are more developed, yet still require intensive care for survival. Infants born between 32-36 weeks have an even lower incidence of cerebral palsy as they are closer to term and have more mature systems. Term infants, born at 37 weeks or later, have the lowest incidence of cerebral palsy because they have had the most time to develop in utero.