What do Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Mark Twain, Pablo Picasso, Isaac Newton, Julia Roberts and Stevie Wonder have in common?

Well, for one thing, they were all premature babies. And all of them grew up to make a powerful impact on the world.

It’s estimated that there are 15 million babies born preterm every year. On World Prematurity Day (observed on 17 November), we consider the challenges faced by the millions of families affected by preterm birth. These can include:

  • Low birth weight
  • Anaemia
  • Newborn jaundice
  • Neonatal sepsis
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Difficulty regulating body temperature
  • Infections
  • Underdeveloped lungs and breathing difficulties
  • Long-term complications such as cerebral palsy, and vision or hearing impairments

The theme for World Prematurity Day 2024 is Small Actions, BIG IMPACT: Immediate Skin-to-Skin for Every Baby, Everywhere.

What is preterm birth?

Preterm birth is defined as a child delivered before 37 weeks of gestation. According to Medical News Daily, there are four classifications of preterm birth:

  • Late preterm (34-36 weeks)
  • Moderately preterm (32-34 weeks)
  • Very preterm (before 32 weeks)
  • Extremely preterm (before 25 weeks)

If you’re expecting twins or triplets, your chances of a preterm birth are higher. Other factors contributing to preterm birth include inadequate prenatal care, maternal health conditions such as gestational diabetes, placental abruption or placenta previa, preeclampsia, issues with vaginal bleeding or pregnancy infections, being underweight or not gaining enough weight during pregnancy, and substance use or smoking during pregnancy.

Increasing survival rates

Kangaroo Mother Care and Skin-to-Skin are techniques that have been shown to significantly increase the survival rates and overall health of premature babies. Both involve holding the baby, wearing only a diaper, on the bare chest of the mother or father, so the parent’s body can help to stabilise the baby’s temperature and heart rate.

They also help to support breastfeeding and build a stronger emotional bond between parent and child, reduce the risk of infection, and enhance breathing patterns.

Skin-to-skin, in particular, can help to lower a baby’s levels of stress, reduce the need for supplemental oxygen, shorten the length of hospital stays, and promote healthy growth. For parents, it can reduce stress and anxiety, increase parental confidence, and strengthen their bond and emotional resilience during a difficult time.

Breastfeeding is also one of the best things for a premature baby, as the mother’s milk adjusts to meet the specific needs of her child at that stage of development.

Parents of preterm babies need a great deal of support, especially in the early stages. One mother described it as follows: “That’s my baby over there, but there’s nothing I can do for them at the moment. It’s such a helpless, horrible feeling.”

Bottom line

Preterm babies are little fighters, and, with the right support, they can grow up to make their mark on the world. When we advocate for better healthcare practices and adequate maternal care, and raise awareness, these little ones and their families can enjoy a healthier, brighter future.

Written by LifeAssist