Preterm birth is a significant public health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization defines preterm birth as birth before 37 weeks of gestation.

According to a report by the March of Dimes, preterm birth affects approximately 10% of all births globally. The cost of prematurity is high, both in terms of healthcare and long-term effects on mental health.

What causes premature birth?

There are various reasons why babies may be born early. Research suggests that some of the causes of premature birth may include:.

Placental problems such as placenta previa or abruption
Infections in the mother such as urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted infections
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disorders
Multiple pregnancies such as twins, triplets, or more
Poor nutrition or inadequate weight gain in pregnancy
Lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, drug use, or alcohol consumption during pregnancy
Stress and social determinants of health such as poverty, racism, and discrimination

Long-term effects of preterm birth on mental health

Preterm birth has been associated with a range of long-term effects on mental health.

Infants born preterm are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later in life. Studies show that preterm infants are more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders than full-term infants, even after controlling for other factors such as family history and socioeconomic status.

One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that preterm born individuals had a higher risk of psychiatric hospitalization compared to term-born individuals.

Another study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that individuals born preterm were more likely to experience anxiety and depressive symptoms and were more likely to self-harm than individuals born full-term.

Preterm babies are also at a higher risk of experiencing neurodevelopmental impairments, which may contribute to mental health problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preterm infants are at a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and learning disabilities.

Preventing premature birth

Preventing premature birth is crucial in reducing the long-term effects on mental health. Some ways to reduce the risk of premature birth include:.

Seeking regular prenatal care
Avoiding risk factors such as smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy
Treating chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes before and during pregnancy
Managing stress and seeking social support
Getting vaccinated, as some infections can lead to preterm birth
Getting treatment for infections that can lead to preterm birth, such as bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections
Use of cervical pessary or intravaginal progesterone can also play an important role in preventing premature births.

Conclusion

Preterm birth can have long-lasting effects on mental health. Infants born prematurely are at higher risk of developing mental health disorders than full-term infants, and may also be at risk of experiencing neurodevelopmental impairments.

Preventing premature birth is key in reducing the long-term effects on mental health. This can be achieved through adequate prenatal care, risk factor reduction, and seeking appropriate medical intervention when necessary.