Preterm birth is when a baby is born too early before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed. Premature birth is a very serious health problem and a leading cause of death among children younger than five years worldwide. Premature babies have more health problems than babies born on time and may experience long-term health problems that affect the brain, lungs, hearing, or vision. 

Worldwide, more than 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely each year, resulting in an estimated 15 million preterm births per year. Across 184 countries, the rate of preterm birth ranges from 5% to 18% of babies born. In India, out of 27 million babies born every year (2010 data), 3.5 million babies born are premature and over 300,000 of these preterm babies die each year because of associated complications.

The World Prematurity Day is annually observed on November 17th to raise awareness about this serious health crisis. On this day, several webinars and events are being conducted to highlight the critical importance of neonatal care during this vulnerable period of life.

We at Medicircle are conducting the World Prematurity day Awareness Series wherein we will be featuring experts in this field to understand and create more awareness about premature birth.

Dr.Deepika Asati is an esteemed Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Infertility Specialist at Adidev Clinic And First Choice hospital, Mumbai.

She has done MBBS from MGM medical college Indore and Postgraduation from GMC Bhopal. She is one of the most trustworthy gynecologists in Mumbai

All you need to know about Prematurity 

Dr.Deepika Asati says, “A normal full term delivery is 40 weeks. Any baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered a premature baby. Premature babies can range anywhere from 26 weeks to 37 weeks as well. There are many reasons for prematurity - 

Multiple pregnancies  Uterine anomalies  Short cervix Miscarriages  Uncontrolled HTN Defects of baby development in USG

Timely intervention is a must in case of these pregnancies. It is important to prolong pregnancy as the mother's womb is the best for pregnancy. “

Risk related to Prematurity 

Dr.Deepika Asati says, “There are many reasons for prematurity like - 

Infection Blood pressure  Uterus abnormality  Physical trauma  Mental trauma 

It is important to manage mother and baby. Extension of delivery can save babies from NICU. Delivery can be normal or cesarean and can help in monitoring the baby's growth. Premature babies are generally weak. It is important not to risk the baby. Awareness is very important for everyone. Prematurity is risky for the child depending on the time of delivery which is 26 weeks or 37 weeks. 

The babies delivered at 34 - 37 weeks need the following- 

Neonatologist available  NICU availability Safe from infection  Minimum touch techniques 

The babies delivered at 34 - 37 weeks need the following- 

Extensive NICU treatment is a must  Family support and patience  Timely intervention and treatment can help in recovery  Early diagnosis after discharge  Growth abnormalities early detection.”

Mother care for premature babies 

Dr.Deepika Asati says, “Not only mothers, but families also have to take care of premature babies. The following care needs to be taken - 

Minimum touch technique as premature babies are vulnerable to infection

Monitoring of babies 

Consult pediatrician 

Depending on the delivery of the baby, breastfeeding is required for premature babies along with formula milk 

Hygiene while maintaining breastfeeding 

Temperature changes 

Covering the child 

Avoid contact with the baby with multiple family members 

Early diagnosis and treatment after discharge in case of any problems.”

Myths related to premature babies

Dr.Deepika informs, “We should thank technology, now people have awareness about prematurity care. Many times, google and youtube can create problems with wrong information. Premature babies need extra hospital care and attention. Do not delay treatment in case of a premature baby. So take the following steps as follows- 

Go early to the hospital  Take special care after discharge  Do not overfeed or underfeed the baby post-discharge  Avoid massage for premature babies as it may cause infection due to skin sensitivity  Early diagnosis and treatment for deformities  Neonatal care  Medicine development  Future health care awareness."

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)