Early birth warning in pregnancy: Infections and lack of follow-up increase the risk

At a meeting held at Trakya University on the occasion of World Prematurity Day, it was reported that infections observed during pregnancy and a lack of regular check-ups increase the risk of preterm birth. Experts drew attention to the importance of regular health screenings.

Prof. Dr. Sedat Üstündağ, Vice Rector of Trakya University and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, stated at a meeting held at the Faculty of Medicine Dean's Office for World Prematurity Day that approximately 13.5 million premature births occur worldwide every year. Üstündağ expressed that infections during pregnancy, as well as smoking and alcohol use, can increase the risk of preterm birth, and these risks can be brought under control with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Stating that a baby born at 22 weeks and weighing 450 grams clung to life at the Faculty of Medicine Hospital's Neonatology Department, Prof. Dr. Sedat Üstündağ emphasized the importance of a healthy pregnancy and birth process for public health.

Prof. Dr. Rıdvan Duran, Head of the Department of Pediatrics at Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, said that infections are among the most important causes of premature birth and that regular follow-ups by obstetricians and gynecologists must not be neglected.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nüket Aladağ Çiftdemir, a faculty member at the Department of Pediatrics of Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, noted that premature birth occupies a significant place in newborn deaths and that babies born at under 32 weeks and 1,500 grams carry various health risks, making close monitoring of mothers and babies of vital importance.