24 November, 2015

Here’s why the number of premature births in the country is on a steep rise

India accounts for the highest number of premature birth in the world with over three lakh babies losing their lives to complications annually,  according to a 2013 report by the  Indian Foundation of Premature Babies titled Delivered Too Soon. To create awareness on various complications of premature birth, the IFPB and National Neonatology Forum (NNF), Mumbai organised an interactive session for parents of babies born prematurely in the city. With over 281 premature babies with their parents present at the event, it was the largest gathering of premature babies.

Shedding some light on the factors that lead to premature birth,Neonatalogist at Sion Hospital Dr Jayashree Mondkar said that stress and today women are more career oriented have to work late night shifts, they also have stressed work life and even tend to have babies later in life. This also contributes to a poor nutrition in women which is also a major reason for the birth of premature babies. Apart from this she also explained that if the mother is born premature, there are high chances that her baby is born premature too.

Another important reason why the number of premature births is high in the country is the perception of women in the Indian society. Dr Ruchi Nanavati, Head of Neonatology, KEM Hospital, DrRuchi Nanavati said that the attitude of the society towards the girl child should change. Families should look towards improving the nutrition  of the girl child and  her health should be given as much importance as that is given to the male child in the family. She pointed out that 60-70% women in India are anaemic and their health should be og utmost importance.

Pointing out another important factor for premature birth, Dr Sushma Malik, Incharge Neonatology Department of Pediatrics, Nair Hospital, Mumbai said that multiple pregnancies due to assisted reproduction techniques like IVF are also a major cause of premature births. She explained that during multiple pregnancies, the foetuses don’t get enough nutrition which results in pre-term birth and low birth weight babies.

Dr KP Sanghvi, Consultant Neonatologist and Pediatrician, highlighted the importance of preventing localised infections in mothers which can threaten labour and increase the risk of premature birth. He also said that septicemia is one of  the biggest killers during pregnancy. He also said that premature babies can develop various complications like Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), eye problems and cerebral palsy. Hence, it is important to attend regular check-ups and take your doctor’s advice seriously.  

Other eminent experts at the session were Dr Nandkishore Kabra, Paediatrician, Surya Children’s Hospital and Dr Vinay Joshi, Consultant- Neonatalogy, Kokilaben Hospital.

Source: www.thehealthsite.com

24.11.2015

As is our confidence, so is our capacity

William Hazlitt