First 'World Prematurity Awareness Day' Celebrated on Thursday

The very first 'World Prematurity Awareness Day' has been celebrated on Thursday. November is recognized as a 'Prematurity Awareness Month'.

More than 13 million babies are born premature each year and 1 million die before they are 1-year old. 50% of preterm births are caused due to drug and alcohol use, teen pregnancy and domestic violence. The cause for the remaining 50% is still a mystery.

Rising Rate of Preterm Births Linked to Both Spontaneous and Medically Induced Preterm Births
The rising rate of preterm birth in Scotland is as much a result of an increase in spontaneous preterm birth as it is of preterm birth that is medically-induced

Eric and Carrie Pfrehm, whose daughter Emma was born 3-months premature are the ambassador family for the awareness campaign. They hope to raise awareness about premature birth so that other families do not have to go through what they had to.

Source-Medindia

Study Links Brain Malformations To Preterm Birth
Brain malformations are significantly associated with preterm birth, according to new research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Strong Connection Found Between Preterm Birth and Risk of Epilepsy Later in Life
According to a new study published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, being born prematurely may increase your risk of developing epilepsy as an adult.

Preterm Births Caused by Sleep Deprivation During First, Third Trimesters
Sleep deprivation or lack of sleep quality during the early and late pregnancy amplifies the threat of preterm births.