World Prematurity Day 2024: Raising Awareness and Celebrating Resilience

• Written by Farina Khan

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World prematurity day is celebrated on 17th November every year to raise awareness of premature births and the related health challenges. More than one in every ten babies is born prematurely every year, resulting in approximately 15 million preterm births. The premature baby survival is like more than a million of premature baby die, and a significant number face serious, prolonged health issues. Premature birth is a problem that can affect anyone, regardless of where they live, their culture, or their socio-economic status.

In this blog, we will take you through various topics like what is world prematurity day, how to care premature baby, premature infant health, survival, complications, and premature baby growth related things. Keep reading further to know more.

World Prematurity Day: An Overview

World Prematurity Day is observed on November 17 to show empathy and support for families dealing with the stress of premature births. World Prematurity Day raises awareness of premature babies and the health issues they may face as they grow. These babies require a lot of love and support, and World Prematurity Day is an occasion to show it.

In this article we are covering important aspects related to premature birth to emphasise the critical significance of neonatal care before and during the vulnerable time in a child's life.

What is a Premature Birth?

Premature birth is the term used to describe babies born before the completion of 37 weeks of gestation. According to World Health Organisation, 15 million infants are born prematurely.  This accounts for roughly one in ten babies globally. 

Premature baby survival is quite difficult as the infants are vulnerable to experience difficulties, and the risks grow with time. Thus keeping them in neonatal intensive care unit becomes essential. . World Prematurity Day throws light on various challenges and support they require, along with tips for new parents. 

Importance of World Prematurity Day

Premature baby complications is something everyone is aware of. From breathing issues to premature baby development and survival, the little ones require extra care and support. The premature infant health issues are challenging for the parents as well as for the infants. World Prematurity Day serves several essential purposes.

• Premature Baby Awareness - The people are generally not aware of the premature baby complications and are also unaware of how to care a premature baby. World prematurity day highlights the importance of premature baby awareness and the importance of early interventions and improved healthcare services.
• Promoting Supportive Policies - For a premature baby growth, advocates use world prematurity day to call for policy changes. It may include the policies like healthcare, parental leave policies, and specialised neonatal care units. 
• Celebrating Resilience - The world prematurity day is also about celebrating the remarkable resilience of premature baby survival fight. It also supports the families and healthcare workers.

Theme of World Prematurity Day 2024

World Prematurity Day 2024 theme is “Over 130 lakhs babies born too soon every year. Access to quality care everywhere!”. The main aim of the World Prematurity Day 2024 theme is to raise awareness about the challenges of preterm birth. Check out the year by year theme of World Prematurity Day.

Premature Baby Complications and Challenges

The premature baby complications and challenges may vary and the infants may face an array of health challenges. These premature baby complications depend on the age of the premature baby and how early they are born. These premature baby complications may include:

• Respiratory Issues - Premature baby may face trouble in breathing as the lungs of the baby are often not fully developed at the time of premature birth.
• Heart Problems - The premature baby complications like patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and low blood pressure.
• Temperature Regulation - Due to lack of body fat premature baby complications include struggle in maintaining body heat and temperature.
• Premature Baby Feeding and Digestion - Premature baby feeding is another struggle preemies may face. The premature baby often lacks the reflex needed for sucking and swallowing.
• Neurological Complications - Premature baby development issues and neurological problems may arise as a result of premature birth.

Why Do Preemies Require Additional Care?

Preterm babies are not completely prepared for living in our environment. The lungs, digestive system, immunological system, and skin are still in an underdeveloped phase. Preemies may now, thankfully, make it through the first several days, weeks, or months of their lives until they are healthy enough to subsist on their own.

How to Care Premature Baby?

Giving their children the finest care possible can be stressful for new parents.

Breathe in deeply With a little expertise, you can parent with assurance, give your newborn the care they need, and cherish every second of your time together.

• Communicate with your Paediatrician and the NICU: To get the specialised care they require to develop after birth, preterm newborns are frequently admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). You have a fantastic opportunity to pick up the skills you'll need once your child gets home. Clear all your doubts and keep a close eye on what the nurses and doctors are doing throughout this period. The NICU team will assist you with practising feeding, changing, and showering your baby, as well as administering medications based on the level of development.
• Baby's Specialized Feeding: You will decide whether your baby receives formula or breast milk in the NICU.  Breastfeeding is the most recommended one, which contains essential nutrients and antibodies for a baby's immunologic growth and formation. To fulfil the high nutritional needs of premature babies, breast milk frequently needs to be supplemented with additional protein, vitamins, and minerals, despite the fact that it is already nutrient-dense. This is achieved by combining human milk fortifier with breast milk, a specialist food item designed to support good growth in premature infants.
• Keep Everything Sanitised: Your baby's immune system is probably still underdeveloped even after you bring them home from the hospital. We stress the significance of taking extra care to safeguard your infant. Before holding your infant, make sure everyone’s hands are clean.  You should wash your hands with soap whenever possible, especially while preparing food for your baby. Find out how to make and store infant formula properly in case you are in formula feeding.
• Stay Comfortable and Warm: When you have everything set up at home, dress your infant like you would wear yourself for the weather and season, and then top it off with pretty headwear to ensure comfort. We all lose a considerable amount of warmth through our skulls and compared to adults, newborns' heads are substantially larger in proportion to their overall size.
• Use Comparisons with Caution: After being brought home, your preterm infant will grow and develop quickly, making it simple to think that they will "catch up" straight soon. It's crucial to keep in mind that your baby's development will probably be interrupted by the same number of weeks or months that they were delivered prematurely. A baby born eight weeks early can be assumed to develop around eight weeks later than a kid born at the usual time. Take this into consideration during feedings, when introducing baby foods, and when your paediatrician shares your baby's development readings with you. If you have any concerns, paediatrician appointments are an excellent opportunity to discuss them.
• Try to Keep the Baby Close: You can practise kangaroo care by putting your baby in a nappy and allowing them to rest on your chest. It lessens the suffering or pressures your child experiences. Additionally, it encourages healthy weight gain and aids in controlling the baby's breathing and heart rate. You'll be able to deepen your bond with your child in this way.
• Make Routine Follow-ups: Do not disregard the routine follow-ups. All newborns need vaccinations, growth monitoring, and neurological assessments at regular intervals, but premature babies especially need them on time.
• Have a Maternity Insurance Plan: The maternity benefit of maternity coverage extends beyond just the delivery of the child to cover the newborn's up to the first 90 days of life. This implies that any medical issues and necessary pre and post-hospitalisation expenses are also covered.

How to Support World Prematurity Day

There are various ways in which you cna support World Prematurity Day. Thisn may include:

• Wear Purple - Purple is the colour associated withpremature baby awaeness. You can wear purple on November 17 in the support of World Prematurity Day.
• Share Status and Stories - The parents and healthcare professionals may share their experiences and successes on social media platforms. This will increase premature baby awareness and will inspire others.
• Donate - Donation is most helpful way you can do to raise premature baby awareness. Try to support the organisations and provide aid for families of premature baby.
• Educate Yourself and Others - By learning more, the premature baby awareness can be spreaded easily. Education is the best way that can reduce stigma and misunderstandings about premature birth.

The Final Note

As a final note, recognise danger indicators early and decide promptly to go to the hospital immediately. Rehospitalisation rates for NICU graduates are greater than those of the general infant population. The best time to get ready for a crisis is right now before it happens. Find the quickest way from your house and the closest hospital emergency. If you think your baby's condition is critical, be ready to call an ambulance. Save the NICU number for guidance. Before being released, caregivers should complete BLS (Basic Life Support) training. Above all, make sure your child is covered under a comprehensive maternity insurance plan so that you can rest assured of delivery-related expenses. 

Also Read: Premature Birth: Causes and Symptoms of Preterm Birth

Disclaimer - The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.