World Prematurity Day or Prematurity Awareness Month is a global campaign that focuses on increasing awareness of neonatal care and the life-saving technologies available.
As World Prematurity Day, this day was honoured by the March of Dimes in collaboration with the Euro-NICU. The purpose of this day is to honour the endurance and strength of families who are parenting preterm kids and to extend a hand of optimism, affection, compassion, and support to these families. Babies who are born prematurely experience a multitude of obstacles in a variety of facets of life as they grow up and require special attention to ensure that they develop in a safety-conscious manner. By bringing attention to these tiny miracles and offering them support, the World Prematurity Day hopes to show them that they are loved and cared for by the entire world.
The experience of living on a neonatal ward can be difficult for parents in a variety of ways, and the effects on their mental health are frequently felt for years after the placement has ended. Every year, a significant number of infants are delivered prematurely or with a medical condition all over the world. Every neonatal experience will have a unique impact on families, but we are aware of how vital it is to feel linked to others who have been through something comparable to what we have been through.
A premature birth is a birth that occurs prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy, which is considered to be too early. Babies who are born prematurely are at risk of developing severe complications and may have health issues that last a lifetime.
Despite the fact that pre-mature deliveries are difficult to foresee, it is possible to give birth early even if you try your best to avoid complications throughout your pregnancy.
The following are some of the things that you can do before and during your pregnancy to help lower the likelihood that you may experience preterm labour or delivery:
- Be sure to arrange an appointment with your healthcare provider for a preconception checkup so that you may ensure that your body is prepared for pregnancy.
- Before pregnancy, you should strive to achieve a healthy weight. Additionally, it is important to seek treatments for medical illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and thyroid issues.
- At the very least, wait for nearly 18 months before attempting to conceive again after having child.
- Make sure you are using protective measures until you are ready to start a new pregnancy.
- Always take precautions to avoid getting sick.
- Consider getting immunised.
- Washing your hands frequently, and avoiding eating raw meat, fish, or eggs.
- If you want to avoid getting sexually transmitted diseases, you should engage in safe sexual activity.
- Consume nutritious foods and engage in bodily activity on a daily basis. In addition to assisting you in gaining the appropriate amount of weight during your pregnancy, this can also help alleviate stress.
- Do not engage in risky behaviours such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs. Inform your provider about the programs that can assist you in quitting smoking.
- Inform your healthcare professional about any medications you are currently taking, whether or not they require a prescription.
- Even if you are feeling excellent, you should still go to all of your prenatal care checks. This helps your healthcare professional ensure that both you and your unborn child are in good health.
Know the symptoms and warning signs of preterm labour, as well as things to do if you experience even one of them. You will not be less likely to experience preterm labour as a result of this, but it will offer you more time to receive treatment that may be able to stop your labour.
Neither a single reason nor a straightforward cure can be identified for preterm birth.
Pregnancy is a one-of-a-kind experience; it is your very own personal narrative of life! Even though nothing can be predicted or avoided, having the right information and taking the appropriate actions can make your journey more beautiful and healthy.