Premature birth, which is birth before 37 weeks gestation is a major concern globally because it exposes the newborn to several health complications. As per WHO’s 2023 report, “An estimated13.4 million babies were born too early in 2020. That is more than 1 in 10 babies. Approximately 900,000 children die in 2019 of complications of preterm birth. Many survivors face lifetime disability, including learning disabilities and visual and hearing problems.” Thus, understanding the causes and risk factors of preterm birth are crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and improving neonatal care.
Causes of premature birth