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Every year on November 17, people around the world come together to observe World Prematurity Day, a day that highlights the challenges faced by babies born too soon and their families. Sometimes called World Premature Baby Day or International Prematurity Day, it’s a time to raise awareness, share hope, and remind everyone that even the tiniest lives deserve a big chance at a healthy future.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about World Prematurity Day, from what it stands for and why it’s observed to insights on premature baby care. Read to learn how awareness and compassion can provide every preterm baby with a strong start and a hopeful future.
A Brief History of World Prematurity Day
World Prematurity Day was initiated in 2008 by the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) and several parent organisations. Over time, it evolved into a global movement recognised by the WHO and observed in more than 100 countries.
November 17 was chosen to honour the birth of a premature child to one of the founding families, turning personal experience into a worldwide mission of awareness and compassion.
What is a Premature Birth?
Premature birth is the term used to describe babies born before the completion of 37 weeks of gestation. According to the World Health Organisation, 15 million infants are born prematurely. This accounts for roughly one in ten babies globally.
Premature baby survival is quite tricky as the infants are vulnerable to experiencing difficulties, and the risks grow with time. Thus, keeping them in the neonatal intensive care unit becomes essential.
Importance of World Prematurity Day
The premature infant's health issues are challenging for the parents as well as for the infant. World Prematurity Day serves several essential purposes.
- Premature Baby Awareness: The people are generally not aware of the premature baby complications and how to care for a premature baby. World Prematurity Day highlights the importance of raising awareness about premature babies and implementing early interventions, emphasising the need for improved healthcare services.
- Promoting Supportive Policies: For premature babies, advocates use World Prematurity Day to call for policy changes. It may include policies such as healthcare, parental leave, and specialised neonatal care units.
- Celebrating Resilience: This day is also about celebrating the remarkable resilience of the fight for premature baby survival. It also supports the families and healthcare workers.
Theme for World Prematurity Day 2025
The official World Prematurity Day 2025 theme is “Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future.”
This theme, announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO), highlights the importance of not just survival but also development and long-term well-being. It’s a reminder that every baby, regardless of when they arrive, deserves the best possible start in life.
Purple remains the colour of the campaign, symbolising sensitivity and strength, a perfect reflection of preemies and their families.
| Year | World Prematurity Day Theme 2024 - 2019 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Over 130 lakhs babies born too soon every year. Access to quality care everywhere! |
| 2023 | Small actions, BIG IMPACT: Immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere. |
| 2022 | Promotion of skin-to-skin contact |
| 2021 | Zero Separation. Act now! Keep parents and babies born too soon together. |
| 2020 | World Prematurity Day 2020, Together for babies born too soon – Caring for the future. |
| 2019 | Born Too Soon: Providing the proper care, at the right time, in the right place. |
Premature Baby Complications and Challenges
The premature baby complications and challenges may vary, and the infants may face an array of health challenges. These complications depend on the age of the premature baby and how early they are born.
These premature baby complications may include:
- The premature baby may face difficulty breathing because the lungs are often not fully developed at the time of birth.
- Heart Problems, Such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and low blood pressure.
- Due to a lack of body fat, premature baby complications include a struggle in maintaining body heat and temperature.
- Premature Baby Feeding and Digestion, as they often lack the reflexes needed for sucking and swallowing.
- Development issues and neurological problems..
How to Care for a Premature Baby?
Giving their children the finest care possible can be stressful for new parents.
Breathe in deeply. With a bit of expertise, you can parent with assurance, give your newborn the care they need, and cherish every second of your time together.
Communicate with your Paediatrician and the NICU: Preterm babies often need specialised care in the NICU. Use this time to learn how to feed, change, bathe, and give medicines. Ask questions and observe the doctors and nurses closely to prepare for home care.
Baby's Specialised Feeding: In the NICU, breast milk is preferred for its nutrients and antibodies. Premature babies may require additional protein, vitamins, and minerals through a human milk fortifier to support healthy growth and development.
Keep Everything Sanitised: Your baby’s immune system is still developing, so extra care is vital. Ensure everyone washes their hands before touching the baby, especially when preparing food or formula.
Stay Comfortable and Warm: Dress your baby appropriately for the weather and add a soft cap to help retain warmth, as newborns lose more heat through their heads than adults typically do.
Use Comparisons with Caution: Preterm babies may develop at a faster rate but typically reach milestones later, approximately the same number of weeks after birth as they were born early. Keep this in mind during feeding, when introducing new foods, or when tracking growth, and discuss any concerns with your paediatrician. Try to keep the Baby Close: Practise kangaroo care by placing your baby on your bare chest. It helps calm your baby, supports healthy weight gain, regulates breathing and heart rate, and strengthens your bond. Make Routine Follow-ups: All newborns require vaccinations, growth monitoring, and neurological assessments at regular intervals; however, premature babies need these assessments on time.
Have a Maternity Insurance Plan: The maternity benefit of maternity coverage extends beyond just the delivery of the child to cover the newborn up to the first 90 days of life. This implies that any medical issues and necessary pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses are also covered.
How to Support World Prematurity Day
You don’t need to be a doctor or parent to make a difference. Here are simple World Prematurity Day ideas anyone can join in:
- Wear purple, the colour of hope and compassion.
- Light up landmarks or homes in purple to show support.
- Share awareness posts using hashtags like #WorldPrematurityDay or #PrematurityAwarenessDay.
- Post stories or photos celebrating premature babies’ journeys.
- Consider donating to hospitals or foundations that specialise in providing neonatal care.
- Host awareness events in schools, offices, or communities.
Even a small act, such as wearing a purple ribbon or sharing a social media post, can spread awareness and hope with kind words.
World Prematurity Day Quotes to Share
Here are some World Prematurity Day quotes to inspire your posts or messages:
- “Born too soon, but never too small to make a difference.”
- “Every tiny life deserves a strong start and a hopeful future.”
- “Purple is more than a colour, it’s a promise of care and courage.”
- “Premature babies may be small, but their strength is immeasurable.”
- “Together, we can give every preterm baby a chance to thrive.”
Pair these quotes with a purple background or baby socks image for an impactful awareness post.
The Final Note
As a final note, recognise danger indicators early and decide promptly to go to the hospital immediately. Rehospitalisation rates for NICU graduates are greater than those of the general infant population. The best time to prepare for a crisis is right now, before it happens. Find the quickest way from your house to the closest hospital emergency department. If you think your baby's condition is critical, be ready to call an ambulance. Save the NICU number for guidance. Before being released, caregivers should complete BLS (Basic Life Support) training.
Above all, make sure your child is covered under a comprehensive maternity insurance plan. With the right health insurance plans in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that delivery-related expenses and medical emergencies are well taken care of.
>> Read More: Premature Birth: Causes and Symptoms of Preterm Birth
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
