Prematurity
Approximately 40,000 babies are admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) or Special Care Nurseries (SCNs) each year for a variety of reasons. Approximately 21,000 of these babies are born prematurely. Around 6,000 babies require critical and intensive life support each year (Laws, Grayson & Sullivan 2006).
What is premature birth?
A normal pregnancy lasts for approximately 40 weeks. Premature or preterm birth is defined medically as a baby being born earlier than 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Risk Factors for Premature Birth
Many causes of pre-term birth are unexplained and unknown, however there are a number of risk factors that increase the chances of babies being born early. There are different factors, medical and otherwise that may cause some women to be at a higher risk, including:
- Multiples
- Previous Premature Birth
- Short period between pregnancies
- Pre-Eclampsia
- HELLP Syndrome
- Smoking
- Uterine or Cervical abnormalites
- Recurring infections
- Chronic illness
If you believe that you are at risk of any of this conditions please contact your health professional.
Reference: The National Premmie Foundation