Dr. Roqiyeh Fallah, a pediatric and neonatal specialist, highlighted that one in ten births is premature, emphasizing that regular prenatal care can reduce this risk by 60 to 70 percent. On November 17, World Premature Infant Day, she stressed the need for careful support for premature infants, who begin their fight for life from birth.

Healthy natural births typically occur between 37 and 40 weeks of pregnancy; births before week 37 are classified as premature. Factors contributing to premature birth include premature rupture of membranes, maternal diseases, medication use, smoking, alcohol consumption, and multiple pregnancies.

Dr. Fallah noted that premature babies often have lower than normal weight, immature immune systems, and underdeveloped lungs, necessitating special care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). In the NICU, continuous monitoring and 24-hour care are provided, with significant family involvement playing a crucial role in the infants' development.

She also emphasized the importance of post-discharge care, including regular checks on vision, hearing, growth, and nutrition. If followed diligently, postnatal care can help premature babies achieve normal growth and even surpass their peers.