Stéphane Tarnier
(1828–1897),
the architect of
perinatology in
France
*The majority of infants cared for by neonatologists are
preterm. A premature birth occurs when a baby is born
before 37 weeks of pregnancy (full term is 40 weeks).
The risk of preterm delivery varies considerably.
Some risk factors can be controlled (such as
alcohol, cigarette smoking and illicit drug use).
Premature Birth
Statistics
Infants as small as 450 grams and as early as 22 weeks
gestation have a small but calculable chance of survival.
In developing countries where advanced equipment and even
electricity may not be available or reliable, simple measures
such as kangaroo care (skin to skin warming) encouraging
breastfeeding can significantly reduce preterm morbidity and
mortality.
*
* "People think that preterm babies need intensive,
hightech care, but we have simple methods that really
work and would save hundreds of thousands of lives"
Joy Lawn, a neonatal physician.
*World Prematurity Day,
November 17 2013