• Premature babies often lack red blood cells (called anemia):
• The red blood cells of premature babies have a short life span and they do not make enough new red blood cells in the first few weeks to keep up a proper blood level.
• Blood tests for premature infants require many blood samples, which can also decrease their number of red blood cells. We try to do the minimum of tests.
• Treatment can include a blood transfusion, and/or iron supplements.

Reference:

AbbVie Corporation (Ed.). (2015). Preemie Parent Handbook (4th ed.). Canada: AbbVie Corportation.