Every year on 17 November, the world marks World Prematurity Day — a global reminder of the quiet but urgent crisis affecting our tiniest and most vulnerable patients.
A baby is considered premature when born before 37 completed weeks of gestation.
Prematurity remains the leading cause of neonatal deaths worldwide, yet many people underestimate just how delicate and complex the care of these infants truly is.
Preterm babies often struggle with:
• Breathing difficulties due to immature lungs
• Feeding problems and poor weight gain
• Infections, as their immune system is still developing
• Difficulty regulating body temperature
• Long-term complications, including developmental delays and vision or hearing problems
Despite these challenges, timely intervention can dramatically improve outcomes.
Why does prematurity happen?
There is no single cause, but common contributors include:
• Multiple pregnancy
• Maternal infections
• Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes in pregnancy
• Poor antenatal care
• Teenage pregnancies
• Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
• A history of previous preterm birth.
It is important to remember, however, that prematurity can occur even in healthy pregnancies with no identifiable risk factors.
How families can reduce risk
Every mother and family has a role to play in reducing the risk of prematurity and improving outcomes:
- Attend all antenatal clinics — early detection of maternal complications saves lives.
- Take prescribed supplements, especially folic acid and iron.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and harmful substances.
- Seek medical care immediately if you experience bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever or leakage of fluid.
- Deliver in a health facility where emergency obstetric and neonatal care is available.
How parents can support their preterm babies
• Practise Kangaroo Mother Care (skin-to-skin contact) to enhance warmth, bonding and survival.
• Provide exclusive breastfeeding, even if breast milk must be expressed.
• Keep all clinic follow-up appointments to monitor growth and development.
• Ensure full immunisation.
Every gram gained and every day survived is a victory.
This month, we honour the courage of every premature baby, celebrate the families who stand beside them, and recognise the tireless efforts of healthcare workers who provide round-the-clock care.
