17 November marks World Prematurity Day, a global movement dedicated to raising awareness of premature birth and the sometimes devastating impact it can have on families.
This is an initiative that personally impacts many people around us. Around 1 in 10 babies worldwide are born prematurely – before 37 weeks of gestation – and these early arrivals account for a significant proportion of neonatal deaths and long-term disabilities. Despite significant advances in neonatal care, prematurity remains the leading cause of death among children under 5 years old.
“Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future,”
This year’s theme, “Give preterm babies a strong start for a brighter future,” is to remind us all that each and every child deserves a fair chance at life, starting from their very first moments, and the best chance of a brilliant future!
The campaign calls for action to:
- Ensure that every baby born prematurely has access to the specialist care they need to survive and thrive.
- Strengthen maternal health services to prevent pre-term birth where possible and detect health problems early.
- Support families with emotional, financial, and practical resources to care for their babies
- Ensure equity –survival should never depend on geography or income.
The impact of prematurity
Premature birth can have profound consequences:
- Medical complications such as respiratory distress, infections, and feeding difficulties.
- Long-term health issues, including developmental delays and chronic conditions.
- Emotional and financial strain on families, who often face extended hospital stays and ongoing care needs.
A legal perspective
Premature birth cases can raise complex questions, such as:
- Was the risk of preterm labour identified and managed appropriately?
- Were appropriate interventions offered where indicated?
- Did healthcare professionals respond promptly to signs of preterm labour or complications during delivery?
When standards of care fall short and cause harm, families may have grounds to bring a clinical negligence claim. These claims are not just about compensation – they can help to give families much-needed answers, accountability, and resources for ongoing care. Raising awareness during the claims process can also drive improvements in maternity care and prevent future tragedies.
Comment
World Prematurity Day is a reminder that every baby deserves the best possible start in life. As clinical negligence solicitors, we are committed to promoting safer maternity care and providing support to families when things go wrong.
Our specialist team understands the emotional and practical challenges that families can face and are here to provide support and guidance every step of the way.
How can we help?
Shrdha Kapoor is an Associate in our Medical Negligence team, which is ranked in Tier One by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500, and Commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2024. She specialises in medical negligence claims, delayed diagnosis claims, and surgical error claims.
If you have concerns about the care you received, please contact Shrdha or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form. We’re here to help you find answers and move forward.
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