World Prematurity Day is celebrated on November 17th, to raise awareness of the challenges and burden of preterm birth globally. The day was initiated by EFCNI and partnering European parent organizations in 2008. Preterm birth (premature birth) is a significant public health problem across the world because of associated neonatal (first 28 days of life) mortality. 

According to WHO, every year about 15 million babies are born prematurely around the world and that is more than one in 10 of all babies born globally. Of the 15 million babies born preterm globally, 1/5th are born in India. In India, out of 27 million babies born every year, 3.5 million babies born are premature. 

On the occasion of World Prematurity Day, we at Medicircle are conducting an exclusive awareness series wherein we will be featuring experts in this field to understand and create more awareness about premature birth. 

Dr. Reena Sengupta is a consultant gynecologist in St Elizabeth's hospital and Ramkrishna Mission Hospital Mumbai. She has experience of more than 10 years in this field. She is a member of IMA and FOGSI 

She is trained in both laparoscopic and conventional surgeries, hysterectomy, D&C, hysteroscopy, Pregnancy care, delivery ( LSCS, Vaginal delivery), and also painless delivery.

All you need to know about prematurity

Dr. Reena Sengupta says, “Prematurity is the term applied to delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These babies are called premature babies which are defined into various categories- 

Baby born at 26 weeks - Early Preterm birth Baby born from 28 to 32 weeks- Late Preterm birth  Baby born from 32 to 37 weeks- Moderate Preterm birth near to normal baby.”

Causes for preterm birth 

Dr. Sengupta informs,” There is so specific cause behind preterm birth. There are many high-risk factors which are as follows- 

Diabetes  Blood pressure  Heart disease  Anemia  Multiple pregnancies  Lack of nutrition  Incompetent cervix Problems in uterus  Age factor  Infections during pregnancy 

These are important reasons for preterm delivery.”

Incidence of Premature babies

Dr. Sengupta informs,” The preterm delivery is on the high rise these days. It is important to assess the risk factors accordingly. India contributed to one fifth of the world’s premature babies cases. Premature babies are one of the leading causes of death in the first five years of life. It is important to take care of the high-risk factors to reduce the incidence of premature birth. The incidence of preterm birth is 8 - 15 %. The causes of preterm delivery are stress and an unhealthy lifestyle.”

Premature birth precautions

Dr. Sengupta states,” The precautions for premature delivery are - 

Control sugar levels  Control Blood pressure  Nutrition levels  Control Haemoglobin levels Hormonal therapy can help  Regular ultrasound  Check for cervix competence  Correct anomalies of the uterus  Avoid and treat infections that can be life-threatening Medical help through injections in cases on nonavailability of NICU  Increasing the pregnancy time for better delivery and healthy baby.”

Care for a premature baby

Dr. Sengupata informs,” The doctor, which includes the neonatologist and the gynecologist along with parents can help the premature baby by following ways- 

Training the parents for special care of premature baby  NICU care  Maintaining body temperature of the baby  Bathing and sponging the baby  Avoiding SIDS(Sudden Intense Death Syndrome) Maintain a healthy sleep pattern  Breastfeeding training for a premature baby  Avoid public exposure of premature baby  Encourage skin to skin contact  Kangaroo care  Development care of baby  Hospital care.”

Prematurity and fatality 

Dr. Sengupata informs, “Prematurity can be fatal as the baby is underdeveloped. As their blood vessels and brain are underdeveloped, a proper check-up is required during regular intervals. Proper care and medications are required in such cases. It is fatal but care is required and can be prevented."

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)