Premature birth is the delivery of a baby before the 37th week of pregnancy. It is a significant health concern for both mothers and their infants.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm every year globally, and this number is increasing.

Risks for premature babies

Premature babies face many risks and complications. Their organs are not fully developed, and they may require specialized care and treatment for weeks or even months after birth. The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of complications.

Some of the risks associated with premature births are:.

Underdeveloped organs

Preterm babies may have underdeveloped organs, including the lungs, heart, and brain. As a result, they may experience breathing difficulties, low oxygen levels, and heart problems.

They may also have difficulty feeding and maintaining a stable body temperature.

Respiratory distress syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common condition among premature babies. It is caused by the immature lungs’ inability to produce enough surfactant, a substance that helps keep the air sacs in the lungs from collapsing.

RDS can cause breathing difficulties and, in severe cases, can lead to lung damage or failure.

Infections

Premature babies have a weaker immune system than full-term babies, making them more susceptible to infections. They may also require invasive medical procedures, such as breathing tubes, which can increase the risk of infections.

Bleeding in the brain

Preterm babies are at risk of bleeding in the brain due to the fragile blood vessels in the brain. This can lead to brain damage, cerebral palsy, or developmental delays.

Long-term complications

Premature babies may also face long-term complications, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.

They are also at a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as asthma, vision problems, and hearing loss.

Prevention of premature births

Prevention of premature births is a critical public health issue. Some of the measures that can help prevent premature births include:.

Prenatal care

Regular prenatal care can help identify and manage health conditions that increase the risk of premature birth. Women who receive early and regular prenatal care are less likely to deliver preterm babies.

Reducing multiple births

Multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, increase the risk of premature birth. Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancies.

Reducing multiple births can prevent premature birth.

Healthy lifestyle

Healthy lifestyle habits during pregnancy, such as not smoking or drinking alcohol, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise, can reduce the risk of premature birth.

Summary

Premature birth is a significant health concern for both mothers and their infants.

Premature babies face many risks and complications, including underdeveloped organs, respiratory distress syndrome, infections, bleeding in the brain, and long-term complications like developmental delays and chronic health conditions. Prevention of premature birth is critical, and measures like regular prenatal care, reducing multiple births, and healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk.