Prematurity has become one of the major public health concerns because of its impact on neonatal mortality. In Peru, the Ministry of Health (Mensa) estimates this 68% of deaths during the neonatal period are related to the disease Premature birthsThis is a number that shows the scale of the problem. At the global level, the World Health Organization appreciates this More than 13 million babies are born prematurely every yearThat is more than 10% of all live births. This reality requires health systems prepared to act quickly and effectively.
all November 17 Commemorates World Premature Babies Day Or prematurityHistory aims to show The importance of prevention, early diagnosis and specialized care. In this context, preparing the health system and training staff can make a decisive difference in people’s lives Premature newborns.
Adequate pre-, intra- and postnatal care is essential to improve outcomes in cases of prematurity. Among the main recommendations are the following:
- Strict prenatal monitoring: Early medical monitoring allows you to identify risk factors, treat infections, control chronic diseases, and take preventive measures. Adequate monitoring from the first weeks can reduce the possibility of premature birth.
- Specialized medical monitoring: In pregnancies considered high-risk, specialists recommend frequent monitoring (ultrasound, cervical assessments, laboratory tests) to detect any warning signs. In some cases, timely interventions can delay birth and improve the baby’s chances of survival.
- Birth preparation and neonatal equipment: If premature birth is unavoidable, having an experienced neonatal team is crucial. Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) equipped with incubators, ventilators, nutritional support and continuous monitoring can make a big difference in the development of newborns.
- Early postpartum interventions: Practices such as kangaroo mother care, early breastfeeding, infection prevention and timely vaccination reduce complications and promote better development.
In this regard, Dr. Fay Aguilar, from Auna Clínica Delgado, highlights that “to ensure that every premature baby receives quality care without delay, it is essential to have a team of highly trained medical and nursing specialists with organized services to provide an immediate and specialized response.” The doctor adds that access to the joint network, with Highly complex neonatal services, Ensures timely care without unnecessary travel.
Premature birth, which is defined as that It occurs before the 38th week of pregnancyIt can have multiple causes. Specialists point out that although there are clearly defined factors, the exact cause remains unknown in many cases. Among the most common reasons are:
- Multiple pregnancy (Twins or triplets).
- Infections during pregnancyEspecially those that are not treated in time.
- Maternal complications Such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or preeclampsia.
- History of premature birthWhich increases the risk of pregnancy in subsequent pregnancies.
- Social and economic factorsincluding stress, malnutrition and limited access to health services.
- LifestyleIncluding unhealthy habits.
In Peru, official figures from Mensa indicate roughly that 7.5% of births are prematureThis is a number that, according to specialists, can be significantly reduced through appropriate preventive interventions.
Dr. Aguilar explains, “Prevention and timely management of high-risk pregnancy They are necessary to reduce the incidence of premature births. But when this happens, the presence of highly specialized centers ensures this Comprehensive care from minute zero “This can make the difference between life and death, or between surviving complications and growing up healthy.”
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