Thread by @WHO

Today is #WorldPrematurityDay.
1 in 10 babies around the world are born #preterm - before 37 weeks of pregnancy – causing around 1 million deaths. Survivors can face lifelong disability and ill health bit.ly/3CpTJDO

#Preterm births are rising globally and complications from prematurity are now the leading cause of death for children under 5.
3 in 4 of these deaths could be prevented with the right care during and after pregnancy and childbirth bit.ly/3CpTJDO
#WorldPrematurityDay

Most #preterm babies can be saved through feasible, cost-effective measures incl.:
💕 Essential care during childbirth & in the postnatal period
💕 Provision of antenatal steroids
💕 Kangaroo mother care
💕 Antibiotics to treat infections
#WorldPrematurityDay

Among infants born #preterm or at low birthweight, kangaroo mother care has been shown to:
💕 Reduce infant deaths by as much as 40%
💕 Reduce hypothermia by more than 70%
💕 Reduce severe infections by 65%

bit.ly/3kH6Yua #WorldPrematurityDay

Holding a #preterm baby skin-to-skin and exclusive breastfeeding meets their needs for:
💕 warmth
💕 nutrition
💕 stimulation
💕 safety
💕 love
💕 helps them develop
bit.ly/3kH6Yua #WorldPrematurityDay

When started at the soonest possible time – immediately after birth – evidence shows that kangaroo mother care can save even more lives, improve health outcomes for babies and bolster the emotional wellbeing of their families bit.ly/3wKGz2b
#WorldPrematurityDay

Partners & other family members can help provide kangaroo care to babies born early or small – which is especially important when the mother is unwell or in recovery bit.ly/3wKGz2b
#WorldPrematurityDay

To support good health before & throughout pregnancy and reduce risks of #preterm births, WHO recommends measures such as:
🤗 Counselling on healthy diet and optimal nutrition
🤗 Preventing tobacco and substance use
🤗 Quality & respectful antenatal care
#WorldPrematurityDay

When parents are allowed to stay with their newborns, it promotes early & effective breastfeeding, including for low birthweight and #preterm babies.
Separating parents & babies immediately after childbirth should be discouraged.
#WorldPrematurityDay

Having #COVID19 should NOT prevent you from having close contact with your baby.
Early and exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact are critical for a #preterm baby’s health bit.ly/3cycZ7y
#WorldPrematurityDay