World Prematurity Day – 17 Nov

1 in 10 babies is born premature, Doctors advocate increased care

· World Health Organization (WHO) report, 15 million babies in the world, more than one in ten are born preterm and as many as 75 percent of these babies die shortly after birth, many others suffer from lifelong physical, neurological, or educational disability.

· Gestational diabetes, hypertension, placental abruption, placenta previa, uterus and cervix problems, advanced age, vaginal infections, smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy can raise the chances of premature delivery.

Mumbai: November 17 marks World Prematurity Day, highlighting the special care required for premature babies. These babies need urgent medical attention right after delivery, particularly during the first hour known as the golden hour, to avert potential complications such as breathing problems, and infections. Appropriate care can significantly improve the chances of these babies living healthy lives.

Dr Sweta Lalgudi, Gynecologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai Said, ‘‘Babies born too early before 37 weeks of pregnancy are termed preterm babies. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) report ‘Born too soon’, of the 15 million babies in the world, more than one in ten are born preterm and as many as 75 percent of these babies die shortly after birth, many others suffer from lifelong physical, neurological, or educational disability. Life-threatening complications in preterm babies are respiratory distress syndrome, due to underdeveloped lung structure. Apart from this, the baby may also encounter cardiovascular, and neurological problems, inability to breastfeed, anemia, and jaundice and require neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) management. The causes can be attributed to gestational diabetes, hypertension, placental abruption, placenta previa, uterus and cervix problems, advanced age, vaginal infections, smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy can raise the chances of premature delivery. 1 in 10 babies are born premature, it is essential to take utmost care of a preterm baby.”

Dr Kalpana Gupta, Senior Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Laparoscopist and infertility specialist, Medicover Hospital, Navi Mumbai Said “Infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, placental abruption, smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, carrying more than one baby increases the risk of premature birth, uterine abnormalities are the causes of preterm births. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), Apnea and bradycardia, Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Premature babies will require NICU care for appropriate growth and development. Rural areas often lack sufficient medical facilities, leading to late diagnosis and inadequate prenatal care for expectant mothers. It is the need of the hour for mothers to follow the guidelines given by the expert and ensures the baby achieves developmental milestones as per his/her age.

These are some vital tips to care for premature babies. “In the NICU, the baby will be continuously monitored and Kangaroo care will be initiated along with breastfeeding. At home, the parents should limit visitors, maintain personal hygiene and the right room temperature, ensure a quiet environment, limit unnecessary noise, continue kangaroo care, breastfeed the baby, keep up to the vaccination schedule, avoid smoking and alcohol or going to crowded places with the baby,” Concluded Dr Lalgudi.