World Prematurity Day is an international observance held annually on November 17, aimed at drawing attention to the health issues faced by premature babies, raising public awareness and increasing knowledge about pregnancy and newborn care. The day seeks to inform the public about the health risks associated with premature birth, the prevention of early delivery and the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate interventions.
A normal pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks. If a baby is born before 37 weeks, it is considered premature. Premature birth increases health risks, particularly during the neonatal period and early childhood and in some cases, may lead to lifelong health complications.
Premature Baby (Anadolu Ajansı)
Global Significance and Events of World Prematurity Day
World Prematurity Day not only highlights the health challenges and impacts on quality of life caused by premature birth but also promotes the expansion of early diagnosis, treatment and preventive health services. Activities organized by healthcare professionals, families, non-governmental organizations and government institutions worldwide aim to raise awareness, prevent early births, improve newborn care and enhance the quality of life for premature babies.
In UNICEF Viet Nam’s programs, early essential newborn care improves the health and wellbeing of premature babies. Early intervention methods are considered vital tools to increase survival chances and encourage active family participation in care. Globally, individuals, hospitals, NGOs and government bodies organize various events to reduce premature birth risks and improve neonatal care.
Health Risks in Premature Babies
Causes of premature birth include high-risk pregnancies, maternal age (very young or advanced age), short intervals between pregnancies, multiple pregnancies, infections, chronic diseases, tobacco and substance use, environmental and genetic factors, inadequate nutrition and insufficient prenatal care. In multiple pregnancies, gestation duration shortens as the number of babies increases, raising the risk of early birth.
Premature babies, born before the full development of organs and tissue systems, face higher risks of learning and behavioral disorders, cerebral palsy, sensory deficits, infections and chronic diseases compared to full-term infants. Families may also encounter emotional, medical and financial challenges.
To reduce the risk of premature birth, prenatal care is critical. Recommendations include regular check-ups, tetanus vaccination, iron and micronutrient supplementation, adequate iodine intake, balanced protein and energy consumption, detection and treatment of infections, blood pressure monitoring and breastfeeding education. Avoiding smoking, alcohol and addictive substances, ensuring sufficient weight gain, reducing stress and maintaining personal hygiene are also important. Care becomes especially crucial for mothers under 17 or over 35, in multiple pregnancies or with chronic health conditions.
Early Intervention and Newborn Care
From the very first moments of life, appropriate interventions are crucial for premature babies. Skin-to-skin contact and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) improve survival chances for preterm infants. KMC provides continuous and prolonged skin contact between parent and baby, increases breastfeeding rates, reduces stress, strengthens family bonds, improves thermal regulation and lowers the risk of infection.
The World Health Organization has developed evidence-based recommendations to improve the care of premature or low-birth-weight babies. These include kangaroo mother care and active family involvement from birth onward. Families are encouraged to participate in care decisions and interventions for their infants.
Warning: The content in this entry is provided for general encyclopedic purposes only. It should not be used for diagnosing, treating or providing medical guidance. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The author and KÜRE Encyclopedia accept no responsibility for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
