Much more than in the past, the number of pre-term babies is on the rise lately. WHO reveals that an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm. Dr. Sumita Saha, Consultant Paediatrician and NICU in-charge at Fortis Hospital Anandapur said, a baby is called as premature if he/she is born before 37 weeks of gestation period as against a normal term of 40 weeks. However, those born between 32-37 weeks generally do not need much support. Those born below 32 weeks are the ones who need a good amount of intensive care support. However, if born over 24 weeks, the babies have a higher probability of surviving provided the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he/she spends the initial few weeks of their life, is competent enough, she said. Why is the premature birth on the rise? Dr. Saha pointed out a few key factors – (a) Increase in instances of Artificial Insemination, (b) Unmanaged Stress levels, (c) Lifestyle-related factors. Dr. Saha also pointed out a couple of key tips which one should keep in mind to ensure a safe journey for the little one at home.
In most cases, premature babies develop like any other baby and can lead a normal life. Dr. Saha said, some babies do need some support from the aspect of development and it is important to identify the need for support early on so that the baby can catch up on the growth. Sometimes, they also need some stimulation to help the brain develop faster. But, in most cases, where the babies do not need high amount of intervention during their initial NICU stay, the babies grow up to be just as their full term counterparts, and after around 3 years of their life, hardly can anyone differentiate them from the latter.