Why is World Prematurity Day Important?
Did you know in 2020 roughly 13.4 million babies were born before 37 weeks gestation? That’s 1 in 10 births globally according to research published by The Lancet.
For others like me the lead cause – preeclampsia can go unnoticed for a long time, even after having a great start and healthy pregnancy. But how many women know what to look out for when it comes to identifying something not being right?
Medicalxpress share a piece on how a large proportion of women don’t know they even have preeclampsia before being diagnosed.
The good news though, is more and more women are becoming aware early on in their pregnancy on preterm birth and preeclampsia.
Though people may be aware, there is still a great need for medical care and resources to go into research for improving the outcome for preemie babies. Premature birth happens regardless of geographical location and it’s so important that awareness is raised to not only support, but to educate and prevent this from happening as much as possible.
When I shared my story with a colleague, she was surprised to learn I had experienced preterm birth. She had seen my son and would never have guessed, as he’s now a happy, healthy toddler. At the time, my colleague was pregnant, and initially, I felt embarrassed to share about what we had been through—I didn’t want to “scare” her with what could happen if she developed preeclampsia. But to my surprise, she was the one who brought it up, telling me that a family member of hers constantly checked in on her for any signs of preeclampsia, especially swelling in her hands. Thankfully, she delivered a full-term, bouncing baby boy!
I was so touched by the story of baby Curtis Means, who was born in July 2020 at 21 weeks weighing only 420 grams (14.8 ounces). With just a 1% chance of survival, he is now a thriving , handsome little boy, defying all odds in ways you’d never expect given the challenges he’s overcome.
For families like ours who have faced preeclampsia, spent time in the NICU, and brought home a preemie, World Prematurity Day is a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and to encourage those currently on similar journeys. We share our stories to spread awareness, not only to offer support but also because increased awareness brings resources that help women and families. Personally, I would love to see more mental health services available, not just for mothers but for fathers too.
I was fortunate to receive exceptional support from my public health nurse, local GP, and the NICU staff. Their guidance helped me manage my fears and doubts, but it was my husband who was truly my rock through it all. So much attention was focused on me that it seemed as though he wasn’t affected, but he was. He was there during the long hours when I couldn’t be with our son, and he confessed that he, too, was scared.
I still remember the first day I got to see our son, Christian. I cried; the shock of his tiny size was overwhelming. My husband was there for me, but he had already spent long periods alone with our new baby before I was able to join them. Even after bringing him home, so much of the responsibility fell on him to care for both me and our baby. That’s why I feel support should also be extended to dads—well done, dads!
World Prematurity Day is so crucial because it helps save the lives of premature babies. Awareness alone enables babies worldwide to receive the care they need from medical professionals, giving them a fighting chance. Parents also play a significant role, offering comfort through “kangaroo care,” holding and bonding with their little ones.
Every “NICU graduate” has a unique story—some spend more time there than others, and many still face challenges but are taking it one day at a time. We come together to share our experiences, offer tips on making things easier, and support each other in preventing complications. This is why World Prematurity Day is so important.
World Prematurity Day is especially important for less developed countries too, where access to medical resources and specialized care for premature infants is often limited. In countries like Malawi preterm babies face a higher risk of complications and mortality due to inadequate neonatal care facilities, fewer trained healthcare professionals, and a lack of essential supplies, such as incubators and respiratory support.
Raising awareness on World Prematurity Day helps draw global attention to these challenges, promoting advocacy and funding to improve healthcare infrastructure and resources. It also fosters educational initiatives for local healthcare providers and communities on recognizing early warning signs, providing basic neonatal care, and supporting mothers at risk. By spotlighting the needs of premature babies in under-resourced areas, World Prematurity Day encourages global collaboration, ultimately saving lives and improving the chances of a healthier start for countless newborns worldwide.
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