World Prematurity Day aims to raise awareness every year of the approximate number of 15 million preterm birth that happens worldwide.
A premature birth is a birth that takes place more than three weeks before the baby is due. Premature birth gives the baby less time to develop in the womb.
More than 40% of premature births are due to an unknown cause and scientists have not established the reason why certain babies are born prematurely.
Here are a few surprising facts you need to know about premature births:
1. Premature babies are born so small that they are weighed in grams rather than kilograms.
2. When a preterm baby eventually fits in a normal sized cot, it means they are able to regulate their body temperature on their own.
3. Premature babies are at a higher risk of other health complications, from infection to permanent disabilities.
4. Breast milk is the ideal nourishment for preterm babies, as it is common for them to suffer gastrointestinal problems.
5. In 2013, World Prematurity Day was celebrated in over 60 countries.
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