Preterm and Birth Risks

Preterm birth is defined as a baby born alive before the 37th week of pregnancy. Preterm birth is divided into subcategories based on gestational age: extremely early (less than 28 weeks), very preterm (28 to 32 weeks), mild to late (32 to 37 weeks). Unless medically necessary, an induction or surgical birth should not be scheduled before 39 weeks. Every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely. More than one out of every ten babies fall under this category. Each year, around 1 million children die as a result of preterm delivery problems. Many survivors may live with difficulties for the rest of their lives, including learning disorders and vision and hearing impairments. Prematurity is the main cause of death in children under the age of five years around the world. Preterm birth rates are rising in practically all nations with reliable data. While some premature new-borns suffer from catastrophic medical concerns or long-term health issues, the majority of them go on to lead normal, healthy lives. Babies born early in the pregnancy can often survive thanks to modern medicine and innovative technologies.