The WHO fact sheet (2012) states that world-wide, 15 million babies are born prematurely every year, and 1 million babies die annually from complications of prematurity. In India over 35 lakh children are born premature. Proper handling and efficient medical care is the need of the hour. These tiny patients are at a high risk for a variety of long term developmental complications including motor impairments, cognitive deficits, and behavioral disorders. We take a closer look at preterm birth and its complications.

 

Although physical and motor disorders may be more noticeable, increasingly more focus is being directed towards the mental health issues that children born prematurely or at low birth weight are at higher risk for attention-deficit, attention-deficit-hyperactive, anxiety, and other emotional disorders. Anxious parents of pre-term babies can deal with the difficulties of handling a premature baby if they are well-informed and work closely with caregivers.

 

There has been a rise in the number of preterm births in India, the reasons are:

-Increased frequency of multiple births due to assisted reproductive techniques (ART)

-Young or advanced maternal age

-Low maternal body mass index (BMI)

-Short inter-pregnancy intervals, pre-existing non-communicable disease

-Infections

-Increasing psychological stress

The incidence of late preterm i.e. infants WHO are born at 34 0/7 through 36 6/7 weeks gestation is also on the rise. Babies born too soon need a good start in life. Hence we should do whatever it takes to reduce the burden and mortality associated with prematurity by spreading awareness on the need for their safe delivery in institutions where they can be cared for.

 

Sourse : Times of India