Every year on November 17 we celebrate the World Prematurity Day. Prematurity is a health issue, not a curse for a baby. In the present time, premature birth is a serious health problem. Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five across the world.

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Babies those born too early than the actual time, may face more health issues than infants born on time as well as may face long-term health problems that affect the brain, the lungs, the heart, hearing or vision problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has shared some guidelines, tools and evidence-based recommendations which will help in preventing and caring for preterm babies.

On the occasion of the World Prematurity Day, healthcare providers throughout the month draw the attention of parents towards the new lifesaving research, community work, and treatments given to premature babies.

What is Premature Birth?

A premature birth is a birth that takes place longer than three weeks before the estimated due date of the delivery. In other words, we can define a premature birth as a birth that occurs before the starting of the 37th week of pregnancy.

Premature infants, especially those born very early, usually face complicated medical problems. These complications of prematurity vary from baby to baby. But the earlier the infant is born, the higher the risk of complications an infant faces.

What are the Symptoms of Premature Birth?

Following are some of the symptoms of premature birth including;

• Small size, with a disproportionally large head.

• Sharper looking baby’s features due to a lack of fat stores.

• Fine hair all over the body.

• Low body temperature.

• Respiratory or breathing distress

• Lack of reflexes for swallowing or sucking.

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What are the Most Common Things That Can Cause Premature Birth?

Following are some of the things that may be causes of premature birth including;

• Late or inadequate antenatal care

• Hypertension or high blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Pre-eclampsia

• Older-first time mothers

• Assisted fertilization

• Infected gums

What are Different Things You Can Do For Caring for a Premature Baby at Home?

There are many ways that help you in caring for a premature baby at home. Caring for a premature baby at home may not be so different from how you had imagined life with a newborn baby. You will have plenty of time to play and cuddle with your new one and watch the baby respond to everyday things.

Tips on Caring for a Premature Baby at Home

• Adjusting to life at home with your premature newborn.

• Keep your baby at a comfortable and safe temperature for proper growth and development.

• Helping your baby sleep.

• Making things possible for your premature baby at home like food, bath, and sleep.

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