Prematurity is a major cause of IVH. Babies delivered less than 32 weeks gestation are at significant risk of developing IVH. Other causes and risk factors include very low birth weight (VLBW) of less than 1500g, premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine infection, early onset infection in the baby, postnatal resuscitation and intubation, high-frequency mode of ventilation, frequent fluctuations in blood pressure and Patent Ductus Arteriosus.
