Give It Time

Study shows corelation between maternal age and premature labour; ages 30-34 being at least risk.

- Dr Bindhu K S

Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks, and babies born after 37 weeks are considered full term. In the weeks immediately after birth, preterm babies often have difficulty in breathing and digesting food. They can also encounter longterm challenges such as impaired vision, hearing and cognitive skills, as well as social and behavioural problems. Preterm babies have higher risks of heart defects, lung disorders, cerebral palsy, and delayed development. According to WHO statistics, every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm and this number is rising. Complications due to preterm births are the leading cause of death among children less than five years. Across 184 countries, the rate of preterm birth ranges from 5 per cent to 18 per cent