Ayon sa WHO, 1 sa 10 sanggol ay ipinapanganak bago mag-37 linggo ng pagbubuntis. Sa gabay na ito, malalaman mo ang risk factors, babala, prevention, at modernong pag-aalaga sa premature babies.
Ano ang Prämature Birth?
Prämature birth ay pagsilang bago mag-37 linggo. May tatlong kategorya:
- Extremely premature: <28 linggo – kailangan ng intensive care, hindi pa mature ang organs.
- Very premature: 28–32 linggo – special neonatal care, mataas ang risk ng komplikasyon sa utak at baga.
- Moderately premature: 32–36 linggo – maikling monitoring, pero mas mataas pa rin ang morbidity.
Mga Numero & Trends
Global premature birth rate ay nasa 10%. Sa Central Europe, 2024 rate ay halos 7%. Dahil sa prevention at high-tech neonatal care, bumababa ang mortality at long-term complications.
Sanhi – Multifactorial
- Infection: bacterial vaginosis, UTI, gum disease
- Multiple pregnancy & assisted reproduction
- Cervical insufficiency: cervix <25mm o dating konisation
- Placenta problems: insufficiency, abruption, placenta praevia
- Maternal disease: hypertension, pre-eclampsia, diabetes, autoimmune/kidney disease
- Lifestyle & environment: smoking, alcohol, chronic stress, extreme weight/nutrition
Babala: Paano Malaman?
Magpatingin agad kung may:
- Regular, masakit na contractions bago mag-37 linggo
- Paglabas ng tubig o maagang pagputok ng panubigan
- Vaginal bleeding o matinding pressure pababa
- Cervix <25mm sa ultrasound
Tests tulad ng fetal fibronectin o inflammation markers ay tumutulong sa prognosis.
Paano Maiiwasan ang Prämature Birth?
- Progesterone: Vaginal gel o depot injection ay nakababawas ng risk ng ~40% kung maikli ang cervix
- Cerclage / pessary: Mechanical support sa cervix
- Infection screening: BV, GBS, CMV tests at tamang therapy
- Management ng chronic disease: blood pressure, sugar, thyroid
- Stress reduction, iwas smoke/alcohol, balanced diet
Emergency: Ano ang Gagawin?
Guidelines ay nagrerekomenda ng tocolytics para makakuha ng 48h para sa lung-maturity shots. WHO guideline ay nagpapakita na ang betamethasone ay nakababawas ng respiratory complications.
Modern Neonatology & Bonding
Perinatal centers (Level I) ay gumagamit ng:
- Gentle ventilation (nCPAP, HFNC) na mababa ang pressure
- High-tech incubators na may phototherapy & noise reduction
- Milk banks & individualized nutrition
- Strict infection prevention (closed-care systems)
Kangaroo method: Daily skin-to-skin contact ay nagpapastabilize ng breathing, temperature, at bonding.
Long-Term Prognosis & Follow-Up
Sa interdisciplinary early intervention, >90% ng moderately premature ay normal ang school level. Karaniwang issues:
- Fine motor delay
- Vision/hearing problems – regular screening
- Chronic lung disease (BPD, asthma)
- Attention & learning difficulties
Research & Future
Immunoprofile tests: Maagang prediction ng risk bago mag-20 linggo.
Artificial uterus: Animal studies ay nagpapahaba ng "maturity time" ng hanggang 28 days.
Microbiome therapy: Unang studies sa probiotics laban sa NEC.
Support para sa Magulang
WHO ay may international guidelines at practical help para sa families ng premature babies. May mga national parent groups, breastfeeding consultants, at early intervention centers para sa support.
Konklusyon
Hindi laging maiiwasan ang prämature birth. Pero kung alam ang risks, babala, at modern therapy, mas mataas ang survival at development chance ng premature babies.

