In Spain, 1 in every 13 babies is born prematurely

Childbirth premature it is a problem that worries mothers more and more. Although Spain has leading units in the care of premature and the excellent care they receive allows the babies to get ahead, this is still the main cause of infant mortality due to complications. According to data from the World Health Organization, WHO, during 2015 there were a total of 15 million of these births and in Spain these figures represent 1 in every 13 births.

Premature labor increases by 36 percent

The data on premature births in Spain represent a 36% increase that has occurred in the period between 1996 and 2013. A problem that according to experts is derived from the increasingly widespread techniques of assisted reproduction, work stress in mothers, health problems presented during pregnancy by women and especially the delay in the decision to bring a child to the world.

Obstetricians remind women of risks of postponing motherhood beyond 34 years since the woman's body is not prepared to face a pregnancy at this age. An example of this is the increase in the number of premature births seen in recent years and that bring numerous health problems to babies.

Health problems in premature babies

According to the data of the Spanish Society of Neonatology, SENeo, premature births account for three out of four hospital admissions of newborns. Most of these cases present complications mainly those that involve an increased risk of cerebral palsy, sensory deficits, chronic diseases or acute respiratory infections, especially bronchiolitis caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Usually only the 0.5% and 2% Those affected by these problems are hospitalized. However, hospitalization figures reach 13% in children considered high risk cases, such as premature babies, who are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units 20% of the time, especially those born between 33-35 weeks.

At this point obstetricians also remember the need to inform parents about the care required by premature children. Knowing how to take care of them in the best way will help your adaptation to this situation to be optimum and thus avoid that the health problems derived from an early birth can cost them their lives as it happens in some cases.

Damián Montero