Premature babies, or those born before 37 weeks gestation, are more likely to exhibit left-handedness than their full-term counterparts. While the exact reason behind this link is not yet fully understood, researchers have suggested that it may be due to differences in brain development.
Normally, the brain undergoes a process called lateralization, which is the development of specialized functions in each hemisphere of the brain. Thisprocess is thought to be linked to the development of handedness, as the left hemisphere of the brain controls movement on the right side of the body, and vice versa. In premature babies, however, this process may be disrupted due to the stress of being born too early. This can result in atypical brain development, which may lead to differences in handedness.
It's important to note that left-handedness is not a negative outcome, and many left-handed people go on to live happy and successful lives. In fact, left-handedness has been linked to traits such as creativity and problem-solving ability. However, it's still important for doctors and parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with premature birth, and to monitor the health and development of premature babies closely. By doing so, they can help ensure that these babies have the best possible outcomes, both in terms of their physical health and their handedness
