Preterm birth: An overview

Abstract

Preterm delivery before 37 weeks of gestation is a global public health issue, particularly in India, where the rates vary by area. In India almost 7 out of 100 babies die before one year of age and 65% of these infant deaths occur in the neonatal period, the first 4 weeks of life. Prematurity is the most important factor of neonatal deaths occurring among low-birth-weight infants. Understanding risk factors, such as maternal age and comorbidities like hypertension, is critical. Preterm newborns experience greater mortality and morbidity risks, including respiratory distress and intraventricular hemorrhage [1].