World Prematurity Day 2025 | “Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Hopeful Future
Dr. Ranjit Kr. Agarwala
PAEDIATRICS SPECIALIST (IHR)
World Prematurity Day 2025 | “Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Hopeful Future
Message from a Neonatal Specialist to Every Parent, Family & Community Member
As a doctor who has cared for countless preterm babies and walked alongside families through their most delicate moments, World Prematurity Day, observed every year on November 17, holds a very personal meaning for me. Prematurity is not just a medical term — it is a journey of courage, uncertainty, and remarkable strength. The 2025 theme, “Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Hopeful Future,” truly reflects what I witness every day in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
What Prematurity Means in Real Life
A preterm or premature baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Some of my little patients arrive just a few weeks early and need minimal support, while others, tiny enough to rest on the palm of my hand, require advanced, round-the-clock care.
Types of preterm birth I often manage include:
- Late preterm: 34–36 weeks
- Moderate preterm: 32–34 weeks
- Very preterm: < 32 weeks
- Extremely preterm: < 28 weeks
These babies may struggle with breathing, temperature control, feeding, infections, and delayed development, but with today’s breakthroughs, many of them grow up to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Why Preterm Birth Happens
In my practice, common risk-factors I see include:
- Maternal conditions: hypertension, diabetes, anemia, thyroid disorders
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets)
- Infections before or during pregnancy
- Placental complications
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, poor nutrition, extreme stress
- Lack of quality prenatal care, especially in rural and underserved regions
Advances That Are Saving Lives
It is heartening to see how technology and evidence-based practices are improving survival and long-term outcomes:
- NICU with advanced monitoring
- Ventilators and CPAP support for breathing
- Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) — one of the most powerful, natural interventions
- Human milk banks ensuring safe donor milk
- Tele-neonatology, helping remote hospitals access specialist guidance
I have seen fragile newborns make extraordinary progress because of these innovations.
My Advice to Parents of Preterm Babies
To every parent who has a baby in the NICU, I want you to hear this:
Your baby’s journey may be small in size but enormous in strength. I have seen miracles happen one breath, one heartbeat, one gram of weight at a time.
Here is my guidance, based on years of experience:
1️⃣ Stay involved in your baby’s care — ask questions, participate in daily routines.
2️⃣ Kangaroo Mother Care works wonders for bonding, immunity, and growth.
3️⃣ Breast milk (or donor human milk) is one of the best medicines for a premature baby.
4️⃣ Seek emotional support — support groups and counselling help more than you might imagine.
5️⃣ After discharge, regular developmental follow-ups are essential for speech, movement, and cognitive milestones.
Every small achievement deserves to be celebrated.
How We Can Reduce Prematurity
Improving maternal health is our strongest prevention tool:
- Early and regular antenatal check-ups
- Nutritious diet, iron/calcium supplements
- Preventing and treating infections
- Managing chronic conditions
- Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and harmful drugs
- Strengthening maternity and newborn care facilities nationwide
Conclusion: A Doctor’s Promise
This World Prematurity Day, I stand with every parent, clinician, nurse, and community worker who fights for our tiniest patients. Preterm babies are fighters, and with early intervention and compassionate care, we can ensure they not only survive but thrive.
Let us unite to give every preterm baby a strong start and a hopeful future. I have seen what is possible and I believe in their extraordinary potential.