Finally there is scope for babies born prematurely. Women, especially those who are anxious after a past pregnancy loss, can now have a sigh of relief after the pregnancy reaches the point at which the baby would be able to survive if born early.
Premature infants may face a number of health challenges, including: Low birth weight, Breathing problems, underdeveloped organs, Greater risk for life-threatening infections, Greater risk for cerebral palsy, Greater risk for learning and developmental disabilities
Premaure birh, defined as childbirth occurring not less than 37 completed weeks or 260 days of pregnancy, is a major determinant of neonatal mortality and morbidity and has long-term adverse consequences for health. Children who are born prematurely have higher rates of cerebral palsy, sensory deficits, learning disabilities and respiratory illnesses compared with children born at term. The morbidity associated with preterm birth often extends to later life, resulting in enormous physical, psychological and economic costs.
This analysis demonstrates that preterm birth is a significant perinatal health problem across the globe, not only in terms of associated mortality but also with regard to short- and long-term morbidity and financial implications for health-care systems. Very high rates are observed in North America as well as Africa, but the burden in terms of absolute numbers disproportionately affects developing countries, especially those in Africa and South Asia. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective diagnostic measures for preterm labor resulting in preterm birth, and no effective early interventions for prevention. The use of modern technology allows survival of many preterm neonates in developed countries, but such care is not widely available in developing countries.
One of my cousins born preterm (25 weeks) in this country was survived, and now she is doing well in school. I am sure she could have died, if she was born in my...