Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five worldwide. According to doctors, babies born too early may have more health issues than babies born as per the normal time. And premature babies often face long-term health issues that could affect their heart, lungs, eyes and other vital organs.
November 17 is observed as World Prematurity Day across the globe. The idea is create an awareness on this issue, as it affects about 15 million babies born every year, said Dr. Sai Sunil Kishore (DM Neonatology) of MyCure Hospital.
Many families are worried when they have a preterm baby, but modern medicines have made it possible to save many such babies and ensure a normal life, he said.
Citing a case he said, a housewife residing in Palasa had complications during her seventh month and an emergency caesarean had to be done. She delivered twin boys one of whom was 1 kg and the other unfortunately was 650 gms. Her babies had to be admitted immediately and the lower weight baby was treated at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for 75 days and was kept under observation for another month. Those 100 days the mother recalls as one of her darkest times, she was very unsure if her baby will survive and even if he does will he remain healthy and have a normal childhood like other normal kids. It’s been 2 years since then and now the baby is healthy like any other child and his development has been extremely good, said Dr. Sai Sunil Kishore.
Sumit Bhattacharjee
