One in 15 babies born prematurely

Published on Monday 21 September 2009 22:05

PREMATURE births have risen by 16 per cent over the last 25 years while survival rates have dramatically improved, Scottish researchers revealed yesterday.

Between 1980 and 1985, 54 babies per 1,000 were born prematurely. But this increased to 63 between 2000 and 2005.

The figures mean about one in every 15 single births is now premature, which is defined as babies born before 37 weeks.

But while pre-term births have risen, medical advances mean survival rates have significantly improved, according to Edinburgh University experts.

The number of baby deaths associated with premature birth has halved, they said.

The researchers analysed data from nearly 90,000 births in Scotland between 1980 and 2005. While a full explanation behind rising premature birth rates remains unknown, the team found diabetes and high blood pressure played a major part.

There has been a seven-fold increase in premature births where the mothers were diabetic before becoming pregnant, the research showed.

Premature births linked to gestational diabetes – where expectant mothers develop diabetes during pregnancy – also increased four times. High blood pressure remained the major factor linked to premature births where the cause was known – accounting for around 11.5 per cent.

But this proportion fell by 20 per cent from 14.5 per cent over the course of the study.

Survival rates of premature babies were greater when births were medically induced or took the form of pre-planned Caesarean sections, rather than those where labour occurred naturally, researchers found.

Professor Jane Norman, director of the Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Foetal Health Research, said: "The increase in survival rates for babies born prematurely backs up decisions by doctors to medically induce births to prevent potential complications.

"The increase in diabetes as a factor in premature births is also interesting and may be because there are more women with pre-existing diabetes – which is linked to obesity – as well as better diagnosis of expectant mothers with gestational diabetes."

Premature birth is linked to more than 66 per cent of stillbirths and 65 per cent of deaths among newly-born babies.

It is hoped that the research, published in the journal Public Library of Science Medicine, will help lead to better treatments for expectant mothers by exploring the trends associated with premature birth and its causes.

While more babies are surviving, many suffer long-term problems which add to costs for the health service.

Prof Norman said: "Our studied showed that the number of babies spending a long time in the special care unit is increasing over time. That will be putting additional pressure on special-care baby units.

More babies born pre-term survive and many of them do have complex medical needs that will require health service resources."

Andy Cole, chief executive of premature baby charity Bliss, said: "We welcome this research which is very positive about the improved survival of sick and premature babies in Scotland."