Final answer:
Premature infants may experience developmental delays as a result of risk factors such as undernutrition, respiratory distress syndrome, and exposure to alcohol or infections in the womb.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk factors for developmental delay in premature infants include:
- Undernutrition and low birthweight: Maternal undernutrition and intrauterine growth restriction can result in low birth weight, which may lead to slow growth and developmental delays in early childhood.
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Premature birth is a primary cause of RDS, which can be associated with developmental delays if not immediately recognized and treated.
- Alcohol consumption and infection: Exposure to alcohol in the womb and certain infections, such as rubella, can increase the risk of developmental delays in premature infants.