Raising awareness for premature babies
Netcare Krugersdorp raised awareness for World Prematurity Day, and wants to inform the community about it.
World Prematurity Day is observed on November 17 worldwide each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families.
Netcare Krugersdorp Private Hospital also raised awareness about this condition.
Unit manager Sister Liesel de Wet van Breda says about 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide.
“A late preterm baby is born between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy. A moderately preterm, born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. A very preterm is born between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. An extremely preterm is born before 28 weeks of pregnancy,” she defined.
She explained further life in a Neonatal Unit (NICU) can be challenging for parents in many ways, and the impact on their mental health is often felt for years after.
“The colour of the awareness day is purple and stands for hope, exceptionality, encouragement, sensitivity, compassion and openness to help others. The colour has become a worldwide symbol for preterm birth and World Prematurity Day,” she concluded.
