Every year on 17 November, the world unites to observe World Prematurity Day, a heartfelt reminder of the challenges faced by babies born a little too soon. According to estimates, in 2024, around 15 million babies worldwide are expected to be born prematurely, with over 3.5 million of these births occurring in India alone—one of the highest numbers globally. Premature birth remains a leading cause of infant mortality, with about 1 in 10 babies around the world being born too early. World Prematurity Day serves as a beacon of awareness, urging us to address the urgent need for better neonatal care and support systems. With the right care and support, these tiny babies can grow strong and have bright futures, despite their fragile start.
What is World Prematurity Day?
World Prematurity Day, observed annually on 17 November, raises awareness about premature births and the impact they have on families. It highlights the challenges faced by babies born before 37 weeks, who often require specialised care to survive and thrive.
Importance of World Prematurity Day:
Raises Global Awareness: Highlights the prevalence of preterm births, affecting approximately 15 million babies worldwide each year.
Encourages Support Systems: Promotes emotional, financial, and medical support for families with preterm infants.
Advocates for Improved Healthcare: Emphasises the need for enhanced neonatal care facilities to reduce infant mortality and complications.
Supports Research & Innovation: Drives funding for research into preventing premature births and improving long-term outcomes.
Celebrates Resilience: Recognizes the strength of preterm babies, families, and healthcare professionals in overcoming challenges.
World Prematurity Day 2024 Theme
The theme for World Prematurity Day 2024 is "Over 13 million babies are born too soon every year. Access to QUALITY CARE everywhere." The theme emphasises the critical need for universal access to high-quality care for premature infants, underscoring the global impact of preterm births and the importance of equitable healthcare services.
What is Prematurity?
Prematurity refers to the birth of a baby before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy, rather than the typical 40 weeks. Babies born prematurely, often called "preemies," miss out on crucial developmental time in the womb. As a result, they may be born with underdeveloped organs, such as their lungs, heart, or digestive system, which can lead to health challenges.
Premature babies are classified into different categories based on how early they are born:
Late Preterm: Born between 34 and 36 weeks.
Moderately Preterm: Born between 32 and 34 weeks.
Very Preterm: Born before 32 weeks.
Extremely Premature: Born before 28 weeks.
Note: The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of health complications. Prematurity is a leading cause of neonatal death and long-term health issues, making early medical intervention and specialised care essential for their survival and development.
Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Premature Birth
Premature birth can occur for various reasons, with some causes known and others not entirely understood. Below are the common causes and risk factors associated with premature birth:
Medical Conditions and Health Issues in the Mother
Chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders can increase the likelihood of early labour.
Infections in the uterus, bladder, or kidneys during pregnancy.
Cervical or uterine issues, such as a short cervix or a uterus with structural abnormalities, can make carrying a baby to full term difficult.
Previous preterm births can raise the risk of premature delivery in future pregnancies.
Pregnancy Complications
Multiple pregnancies (such as twins or triplets) often result in early deliveries due to limited space and increased strain on the mother's body.
Placenta problems, such as placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) or placental abruption (when the placenta detaches from the uterus wall), can lead to preterm labour.
Pre-eclampsia, a condition characterised by high blood pressure during pregnancy, can lead to preterm birth to protect the health of the mother and baby.
Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors
Smoking, alcohol, and substance use during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of premature birth due to their effects on foetal development and maternal health.
Poor nutrition or not gaining enough weight during pregnancy can contribute to early labour.
High-stress levels, especially due to traumatic life events, can lead to early contractions.
Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors
Age of the mother: Women under 17 or over 35 have a higher chance of delivering prematurely.
Socioeconomic factors: Limited access to healthcare, poor living conditions, and lack of support can increase the risk.
Low income or lack of prenatal care can result in untreated health issues that may trigger premature birth.
Infections and Inflammation
Certain infections during pregnancy, like bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, or sexually transmitted infections, can lead to premature birth if left untreated.
Inflammatory responses from infections in the uterus or amniotic fluid can trigger preterm labour.
Steps to Prevent Preterm Birth
While it’s not always possible to prevent preterm birth, there are several steps that expectant mothers and doctors can take to reduce the risk and support a healthy pregnancy:
Attend Regular Prenatal Check-ups
Regular prenatal visits help monitor the health of both mother and baby.
Early detection of potential issues, such as infections or high blood pressure, allows for timely intervention.
Discuss any history of preterm births or existing medical conditions with your doctor.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Eat a nutritious, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs as these can significantly increase the risk of preterm labour.
Stay active with doctor-approved exercises to maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress.
Manage Chronic Health Conditions
Properly manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disorders through medication and lifestyle changes.
Keep regular appointments with specialists to monitor these conditions.
Follow treatment plans for conditions like asthma or autoimmune diseases.
Prevent and Treat Infections
Practise good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, to prevent infections.
Treat any infections promptly, especially urinary tract or vaginal infections, as they can trigger preterm labour.
Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations, such as the flu shot.
Reduce Stress Levels
Practise stress-relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or prenatal yoga.
Engage in activities that bring you joy, and seek emotional support from family or friends.
Consider talking to a counsellor if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Consider Medical Interventions if Necessary
Women at higher risk of preterm birth may benefit from progesterone supplements to support the pregnancy.
If a short cervix is detected, a doctor may recommend a procedure called cervical cerclage to prevent early labour.
Your doctor may suggest bed rest or other precautions if there are signs of preterm labour.
Space Out Pregnancies
Listen to Your Body
Avoid heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or overexertion, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
Get plenty of rest and prioritise sleep to support overall health.
Preparing for a Premature Birth
If there’s a risk of premature birth, being prepared can help reduce stress and ensure that you and your baby receive the best care possible. Here are practical steps for parents to consider:
Educate Yourself
Learn about premature births and what to expect. Understanding the potential challenges can help you feel more prepared.
Read up on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where many premature babies receive specialised care.
Ask your doctor about common preterm birth complications and how they are managed.
Consult with your Doctor
Speak to your obstetrician about your risk factors and the steps you can take to prepare.
If preterm birth is likely, arrange to meet with a Neonatologist to discuss the care your baby might need after birth.
Discuss potential interventions, such as steroids to help your baby’s lungs mature, or magnesium sulphate to protect against neurological issues if early delivery is imminent.
Prepare a Hospital Bag Early
Pack a hospital bag with essentials for you, your partner, and your baby:
Comfortable clothing, toiletries, and personal items for yourself.
Items to help you stay comfortable during your hospital stay, like a phone charger, snacks, and a book or tablet.
Preemie-sized clothing and blankets, as full-term baby clothes may be too large.
Include important documents, such as insurance information and a list of emergency contacts.
Medical Challenges and Care for Preterm Babies
Babies born prematurely, especially those born before 37 weeks, often face unique medical challenges due to their underdeveloped organs and systems. Understanding these challenges and the care required can help parents better navigate the early stages of their baby's life.
Breathing Difficulties
Preterm babies may have underdeveloped lungs, making it difficult for them to breathe on their own.
Conditions like Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) are common due to insufficient levels of surfactant, a substance that helps keep the lungs inflated.
Treatment Options:
Heart Problems
Premature infants may experience issues like Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), where a blood vessel in the heart fails to close after birth, leading to poor oxygenation.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) is also common in preterm babies.
Treatment Options:
PDA may require medications or, in severe cases, surgery.
Infants with low blood pressure may need fluids, medications, or blood transfusions.
Feeding and Nutrition Challenges
Preemies often have difficulty sucking, swallowing, and digesting food due to their immature digestive systems.
They may not be able to breastfeed or take a bottle right away, needing tube feeding to receive essential nutrients.
Treatment Options:
Parenteral nutrition (IV feeding) is used initially, followed by gradual introduction of breast milk or formula.
Special fortifiers may be added to breast milk to meet the baby’s nutritional needs.
Temperature Regulation
Premature babies have less body fat and an underdeveloped hypothalamus, making it hard to regulate their body temperature.
They are at risk of hypothermia, which can lead to serious complications.
Treatment Options:
Immune System Vulnerability
Preterm babies have weaker immune systems, making them highly susceptible to infections.
Infections like sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis can be life-threatening.
Treatment Options:
Strict infection control in the NICU, including hand hygiene and limited exposure to visitors.
Antibiotics and antiviral medications may be administered if infections occur.
Jaundice
Neurological and Developmental Concerns
Premature babies, especially those born extremely early, are at risk for brain bleeding (intraventricular haemorrhage) and cerebral palsy.
Long-term developmental challenges may include learning disabilities, motor delays, and vision or hearing problems.
Treatment and Monitoring:
Regular neurological exams and brain ultrasounds to monitor brain development.
Early intervention programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, can support development.
Eye and Vision Problems
Gastrointestinal Issues
Note: With the right medical care, many premature babies can overcome these early challenges and go on to lead healthy lives. The support provided during these critical early weeks and months is vital in helping preemies reach their full potential.
How to Support Parents of Preterm Babies
The birth of a premature baby can be an overwhelming and emotionally challenging experience for parents. Parents may feel fear, uncertainty, exhaustion, and stress as they navigate their baby's stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Supporting parents during this time is crucial to their well-being. Here are practical ways to help:
Listen without judgement: Sometimes, just being there to listen can provide comfort. Let parents express their fears, frustrations, and hopes.
Be empathetic and encouraging: Remind them that they are doing their best and that it's okay for parents to have mixed emotions.
Help with household chores: Offer to cook meals, do laundry, or clean their home to take some burdens off their shoulders.
Run errands: Assist with grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or other essential tasks so they can focus on their baby.
Offer childcare for their other children, if they have any, to give them more time to be at the hospital.
Parents of preterm babies are often exhausted and emotionally drained. Respect their need for space and privacy.
Ask before visiting: NICUs have strict visitation rules, and parents may not be ready for visitors.
Avoid giving unsolicited advice unless they specifically ask for it.
The costs associated with premature birth can be significant, from medical bills to extra childcare. Consider starting a fundraiser or pooling resources to ease their financial burden.
Assist with organising transportation or accommodation if the hospital is far from their home.
Conclusion
Welcoming a premature baby into the world can be a challenging and emotional journey for families. Understanding the medical needs of preterm infants and providing support to parents can make a significant difference in ensuring these tiny fighters thrive. At Artemis Hospitals, we are committed to providing exceptional neonatal care, offering the latest medical interventions, and supporting families through every step of this journey. If you or a loved one are expecting and concerned about preterm birth, reach out to our Neonatology Department for expert guidance and care. Contact Artemis Hospitals today to learn how we can support you in ensuring the best possible start for your little one.
