The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 15 million premature babies come to the world each year, which is around one in ten births. We are talking about a serious health problem, since complications derived from prematurity are the main cause of death in children under five years of age.
As almost always, the highest risk of serious sequelae after preterm birth occurs in regions with fewer resources: while in high-income countries the mortality rate of extremely premature babies (born before 28 weeks of pregnancy) is from 10%, this figure rises to 90% in low-income countries . Furthermore, more than 60% of preterm births occur in Asia and Africa.
According to the WHO, preterm birth rates are increasing worldwide, although it is possible that this data is biased due to the fact that in recent years the monitoring of this health problem is more exhaustive. On the other hand, the increase in the age of mothers and the risk factors associated with it (hypertension, gestational diabetes …) could be another cause of early delivery. The higher rates of multiple pregnancies, derived from the proliferation of assisted reproduction treatments, are also a factor that would explain this increase in premature births.
However, the health authorities are clear: today we have the means and technology to increase the survival of premature babies and minimize subsequent complications , and that is why it is necessary that these children and their families have access to adequate care. On the other hand, and although the triggers of preterm birth are often unknown, monitoring the pregnancy with at least eight visits to a health professional throughout the gestation can help detect risk factors and prevent the problem.
Therefore, in this gallery we are not going to address the consequences and problems of children born prematurely. Instead, we are going to show the latest advances and promising studies that are improving, and will improve much more, the quality of life and survival of premature babies.
Some of them, such as the kangaroo method, are already being put into practice in many hospitals around the world with good results. Others are still in testing and will be late in coming, but they are very hopeful and hopefully they can become accessible to families around the world.
