Final answer:
Approximately 4% to 10% of term and later preterm newborns will receive medical interventions such as surfactant replacement therapy or CPAP to assist with respiratory challenges post-birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
After birth, approximately 4% to 10% of term and later preterm newborns will receive medical intervention due to various challenges that can arise from premature birth. Infants born prior to full term, particularly those born between 21 to 30 weeks of gestation, may require surfactant replacement therapy, supplemental oxygen, or maintenance in a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) chamber. This is in response to potential respiratory distress caused by inadequate surfactant production, which can lead to problems with lung expansion necessary for independent breathing. These medical interventions are critical for assisting babies in the transition to life outside of the womb, particularly for those with low birth weight or those born at a gestational age where their respiratory and nervous systems are not fully developed.