What is the prevalence of premature birth or prematurity?

The prevalence of preterm birth, also known as prematurity, varies across different regions and populations. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10% of all babies worldwide are born prematurely. This means that for every 100 babies born, about 10 are born before 37 weeks of gestation.

Premature birth is more common in certain parts of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where the rates can be as high as 15-20%. On the other hand, developed countries generally have lower rates of prematurity, with some countries reporting rates below 5%.

Prematurity can have short-term and long-term implications for the health and well-being of infants. Premature babies often have low birth weight and may experience respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, and other health issues that require specialized medical care. In the long term, they may have an increased risk of chronic conditions such as asthma, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays.

Reducing the rate of premature birth is a significant public health concern. Efforts to improve prenatal care, address underlying health conditions in expectant mothers, and ensure access to quality healthcare can contribute to reducing the prevalence of preterm birth and improving the outcomes for premature infants.