Every year, November 17 marks World Prematurity Day is a time to raise awareness, support families, and celebrate the incredible strength of babies born too soon. As a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, I walk alongside families facing complicated pregnancies, and on this day, I pause to reflect not only on the medical realities of prematurity, but also the profound emotional journeys that come with it What Is Prematurity?

A baby born before reaching 37 weeks of gestation is considered premature, a condition affecting about 1 in 10 babies worldwide. Prematurity is not just about being small. When a baby arrives before their body and organs are fully developed, they face immediate medical challenges and longer-term risks that can affect their health for years, or even a lifetime.

Depending on the gestational age, premature birth is classified as: Late preterm: 34 to 36 weeks

Moderate preterm: 32 to 34 weeks

Very preterm: 28 to 32 weeks

Extremely preterm: Before 28 weeks

Each extra day in the womb is crucial. Yet, when a baby is born early, that time outside the womb becomes a delicate race between fragility and resilience, survival and hope.

Risk Factors for Premature Birth

Some known risk factors include:

• Prior preterm birth
• Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets or more)
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities
• Preeclampsia, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes
• Infections during pregnancy
• Smoking or substance use
• High stress or limited prenatal care

Preventing Prematurity: What Can Be Done?

While not all preterm births can be prevented, we can take steps to reduce risks:

• Early and regular prenatal care
• Managing chronic conditions before and during pregnancy
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol
• Treating infections promptly
• Spacing pregnancies at least 18 months apart when possible
• Using progesterone therapy for women with prior preterm births
• Monitoring cervical length in high-risk pregnancy

If you’ve experienced a preterm birth, talk to a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist. With individualized care plans, we aim to protect your health and the health of your growing baby in every way we can.

As your maternal-fetal medicine specialist, it is my privilege to stand with you and to believe in the strength of your little one, even when they arrive too soon. With compassion and hope,

Sincerely,

Mitera Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists