Bengaluru: An estimated 3.016 million babies are born prematurely in India every year, making India the country with the highest number of preterm births globally. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019–21), around 12% of live births in India are preterm, which means approximately one in every eight babies is born prematurely.
Speaking about the issue, Dr. Shivashankar Diggikar, Senior Paediatrician, Medicover Hospital, Hoodi, Bengaluru, said, “Recently, several premature babies have been born at Medicover Hospital. It is extremely important that every premature baby receives appropriate medical care at the right time. Being born prematurely does not mean that a baby will necessarily have poor health outcomes in the future. With appropriate neonatal care, adequate nutrition, Kangaroo Mother Care and regular follow-up, many premature babies can grow and develop healthily.”
Multiple Factors Can Contribute to Premature Birth
Over the past two decades, several factors have been identified that can increase the risk of preterm birth. These include pregnancy at an advanced maternal age, particularly above 35 years, teenage pregnancy, pregnancies conceived through IVF/ART, twin or multiple pregnancies, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, obesity and thyroid disorders.
In addition, maternal anaemia and malnutrition, a short interval between pregnancies, inadequate antenatal care and certain medical conditions that require early delivery can also contribute to premature birth.
Dr. Shivashankar Diggikar said, “Regular antenatal check-ups from the early stages of pregnancy are extremely important. If the mother has anaemia, high blood pressure, diabetes or any other health condition, it should be appropriately managed under medical supervision. This can help reduce potential risks to both the mother and the baby.”
Special Care is Important After Bringing a Preterm Baby Home
Even after a premature baby is discharged and brought home, parents need to provide additional care and attention. Regular monitoring of the baby’s weight and growth, timely vaccinations as advised by the doctor, eye and hearing assessments, and monitoring developmental milestones are essential.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If These Symptoms Appear
Parents should not ignore symptoms such as poor feeding or refusal to feed, excessive sleepiness or lethargy, low body temperature, rapid or difficult breathing, yellowing of the skin, or fever in a premature baby. In such situations, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Prevention Begins Before and During Pregnancy
Steps to reduce the risk of premature birth should begin even before conception and continue throughout pregnancy. Regular antenatal check-ups, timely treatment of anaemia, appropriate management of infections, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and maintaining an adequate interval between pregnancies may help reduce the risk of complications.
“Parents should focus on receiving appropriate medical care at the right time rather than being overly fearful about premature birth. Regular antenatal check-ups, early identification of high-risk pregnancies and appropriate neonatal care after birth are crucial for the healthy growth and development of the baby,” Dr. Shivashankar Diggikar added.
Medicover Hospital, Hoodi, Bengaluru, aims to create greater awareness among parents and the general public about the care of premature babies and encourage families to seek timely and appropriate medical care whenever required.
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