World Prematurity Day

 

#WorldPrematurityDay

November 17 marks World Prematurity Day (WPD), an annual day of awareness dedicated to the millions of babies born prematurely each year. Across the globe, this day shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by premature infants and their families, as well as the significant burden on health systems worldwide. Premature birth is a global health crisis, and World Prematurity Day serves as a reminder that every preterm baby deserves a fighting chance at a healthy future.

The colour purple has come to stand for WPD because it symbolises sensitivity and exceptionality. Every year, individuals and institutions worldwide show their support with purple lighting.

Globally, preterm birth is an urgent health issue. The WHO reports that about 11 percent of all live births are premature, translating to 15 million babies each year. The risk of preterm birth is highest in low-income countries, but it also affects high-income nations significantly.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), preterm birth rates are estimated to be around 8.5 percent, comparable to other middle- and high-income countries. The UAE government has been actively working on initiatives to reduce these rates by improving access to quality prenatal and neonatal care and by raising awareness on the importance of maternal health. Several hospitals in the UAE are equipped with advanced NICUs, helping to improve survival rates for preterm babies. However, the ongoing focus remains on prevention, particularly for at-risk mothers.

What is Prematurity?

A baby born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm.

These early arrivals often have underdeveloped organs and face risks like respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, and weakened immune systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely every year, making it the leading cause of death in children under the age of five. In fact, complications from prematurity are responsible for nearly one million deaths annually. While survival rates are improving thanks to advances in neonatal care, preterm birth still remains a significant health challenge.

Causes and Risk Factors of Prematurity

Premature birth can happen for various reasons, and sometimes the cause is unknown.

Common causes and risk factors include:

1. Maternal Health Conditions: Chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, and infections during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature delivery.

2. Pregnancy Complications: Conditions such as pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy-related high blood pressure disorder, and placental issues can lead to early labor.

3. Multiple Pregnancies: Women carrying twins or more are more likely to deliver preterm.

4. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use are also associated with an increased risk of prematurity.

5. Age: Both teenage mothers and mothers over 35 are at a higher risk.

6. Previous Preterm Birth: A history of preterm delivery increases the chances of subsequent premature births.

These risk factors highlight that while some aspects are preventable, others may be harder to manage or predict, which adds to the complexity of addressing prematurity on a global scale.

The Impact on Families

The emotional and financial toll of a preterm birth on families can be profound. Parents of preterm infants often experience high levels of stress and anxiety due to their baby’s fragile health. In addition, the financial costs associated with the intensive care required for premature infants can be overwhelming, particularly for families without adequate health insurance.

The long-term impact of prematurity can also extend beyond infancy, with many preterm children facing developmental delays, learning disabilities, and other health issues later in life. This can necessitate ongoing support and interventions, placing a continuous emotional and financial strain on families.

Treatment and Care for Premature Infants

Advancements in neonatal care have significantly improved survival rates for preterm infants, but the level of care needed varies depending on the infant’s gestational age and health status. Key elements of treatment include:

1. Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs): These specialized units provide round-the-clock care and monitor vital signs, respiratory support, and nutrition.

2. Respiratory Support: Many premature babies have underdeveloped lungs, requiring ventilators or other respiratory support.

3. Nutritional Support: Premature infants often need specially tailored nutrition plans, which may include tube feeding until they are able to feed on their own.

4. Thermoregulation: Preterm babies have trouble regulating body temperature, so they often require incubators.

5. Infection Prevention: Due to their fragile immune systems, preterm infants are at a higher risk for infections, making infection control a top priority in their care.

In some cases, preterm babies may face long-term health challenges, necessitating ongoing medical interventions and therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Treatment Success Stories

Treatment of early preterm babies is a challenge, and not always families and doctors can celebrate their success. Sometimes, the happy end needs small miracle. We found two amazing stories of bright little fighters showing there is always hope. Read more about

Baby Shaniqua, born after 23 weeks of pregnancy, weighed a mere 537g and spent 104 days in hospital, is now living a happy and healthy life at home.

After the most difficult start in life, Zedrick recently left hospital in Sharjah after being born four months early and weighing only 500 grams. His remarkable resilience is being celebrated as a minor miracle by doctors and his parents.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing premature births is complex but achievable through comprehensive approaches that address both maternal health and prenatal care. Key prevention strategies include:

1. Access to Quality Prenatal Care: Early and regular prenatal visits can help monitor and manage risk factors.

2. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Educating expectant mothers on the importance of avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs can help reduce risk.

3. Addressing Chronic Conditions: Proper management of chronic conditions, like hypertension and diabetes, can also play a role in prevention.

4. Education and Support Programs: Public health programs that educate women on signs of early labor and stress management can make a significant difference.

5. Family Planning: Interventions aimed at spacing pregnancies can reduce the risk of preterm birth, especially in high-risk populations.

These measures underscore the importance of early intervention, education, and support systems to help reduce premature births worldwide.

Little Fighters Need Our Awareness

World Prematurity Day is a reminder of the challenges premature babies and their families face and a celebration of the strength and resilience they show in overcoming them. By raising awareness, supporting healthcare advancements, and reaching out to families in need, we can help create a world where every baby, regardless of when they are born, has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.

Let’s stand together on November 17th to show our support for these remarkable little fighters and the families who support them every step of the way.