Born too soon
All you need to know on preterm birth, facts and preventative measures.
The 17th of November marks World Prematurity Day, raising awareness on preterm birth and the concern of pre-birth babies and their families.
The European parent organisation established this awareness campaign in 2008 and it has been supported by parents, doctors, politicians, hospitals and various other stakeholders all over the world.
The day is commemorated by wearing the colour purple in tribute to all the little babies that have passed on due to premature birth, in support of all parents who have lost preterm children and all those who have survived and fighting for their lives.
"15 million babies are born too soon each year across the globe, that’s 29 babies every minute. Sadly around one million of these babies will not survive" - Bliss.org.UK, World Prematurity Day 2015
Here are some facts on Preterm babies:
1. What is Preterm birth?
Premature or preterm birth is defined as a birth that takes place before 37 weeks gestation (a full term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks):
- Extremely preterm (<28 weeks)
- Very preterm (28 to <32 weeks)
- Moderate to late preterm (32 to <37 weeks).
2. What are the risk factors for premature birth?
Most premature births are termed ‘spontaneous premature births’, with
no clear cause. Other preterm births are induced from medical necessity
for mother or baby (ie. pre-eclampsia, or growth restriction of the
baby).
There is, however, evidence that the following may be risk factors for premature birth:
- Smoking
- Age of mother (younger and older mothers having higher risk of premature birth)
- Carrying a multiple pregnancy
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Use of recreational drugs.
3. Top three countries with Preterm births:
- India: 3 519 100
- China: 1 172 300
- Nigeria: 773 600
4. A temporary solution?
To reduce preterm birth rates, women need better access to family planning and increased empowerment, as well as improved care before, between and during pregnancies.
Let's show support by wearing the colour purple and spreading awareness about this cause.