Top 3 Global Preterm Birth Realities

Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation, affects approximately 1 in 10 babies worldwide, with an estimated 13.4 million born preterm in 2020.

The top 3

  1. Countries with Highest Preterm Birth Numbers: India leads globally with 3,016,700 preterm births in 2020, followed by Pakistan (914,000) and Nigeria (774,100), reflecting a significant burden in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
  2. Leading Causes of Preterm Birth: Major risk factors include a history of prior preterm birth, multiple gestations (twins, triplets), and problems with the uterus or cervix; other contributing factors include infections, chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and lifestyle choices.
  3. Top 3 Long-term Health Risks for Preterm Babies: Preterm infants face increased risks of developmental delays, chronic respiratory problems like bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and vision or hearing impairments.

Sources

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