<P> Several types of health problems also influence fetal viability . For example, breathing problems, congenital abnormalities or malformations, and the presence of other severe diseases, especially infection, threaten the survival of the neonate . </P> <P> Other factors may influence survival by altering the rate of organ maturation or by changing the supply of oxygen to the developing fetus . </P> <P> The mother's health plays a significant role in the child's viability . Diabetes in the mother, if not well controlled, slows organ maturation; infants of such mothers have a higher mortality . Severe high blood pressure before the 8th month of pregnancy may cause changes in the placenta, decreasing the delivery of nutrients and / or oxygen to the developing fetus and leading to problems before and after delivery . </P> <P> Rupture of the fetal membranes before 24 weeks of gestation with loss of amniotic fluid markedly decreases the baby's chances of survival, even if the baby is delivered much later . </P>

Who has just reached the age of viability for a human