(MENAFN- Awareness Marketing Management) **By Dr. Vineet Gupta
Consultant Neonatologist, NMC Royal Hospital, DIP**
Every year, millions of families around the world welcome their babies far earlier than expected. For some, the journey into parenthood begins not in the warmth of a nursery, but in the softly lit halls of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Premature birth, though increasingly common, remains one of the most emotionally challenging and medically complex beginnings to life.
As a neonatologist at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, I have witnessed the extraordinary strength of premature babies, the courage of their families, and the incredible impact of modern neonatal care. Their stories inspire us to keep improving, advancing, and advocating—for every tiny life that arrives too soon.
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What Does It Mean When a Baby Is Born Premature?
A baby is considered premature when born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These last few weeks are crucial for the baby's growth and the final development of the lungs, brain, and digestive system. When birth occurs earlier, babies need additional medical support to help them transition safely into the world.
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How Common Is Prematurity? A Global and Local Picture
Prematurity affects families everywhere. In 2020 alone, 13.4 million babies—around 1 in every 10 newborns—arrived earlier than expected. It is one of the leading causes of newborn health complications across the world.
The UAE mirrors this global trend, with premature birth rates similar to international figures. Factors such as rising maternal age, multiple pregnancies, and lifestyle-related conditions have all contributed to the increase worldwide.
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Why Does Premature Birth Happen?
There is rarely a single reason behind a premature delivery. Instead, it often results from a combination of maternal, fetal, or pregnancy-related factors such as:
• Maternal infections
• High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
• Multiple pregnancies
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Placental complications
• A previous premature birth
In many cases, there is no identifiable cause, making awareness and regular prenatal check-ups even more important.
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The Different Stages of Prematurity
Premature babies are not all the same; their needs differ significantly based on how early they are born:
• Late Preterm: 34–36 weeks
• Very Preterm: 28–32 weeks
• Extremely Preterm: Below 28 weeks
The earlier the birth, the more critical the care required.
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Inside the NICU: How We Support Premature Babies at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP
Caring for premature infants goes far beyond technology. It demands sensitivity, expertise, and a family-centred approach. Our NICU is designed to create a safe, controlled environment that mimics the womb as closely as possible while supporting each baby’s developing body.
Our care includes:
• Gentle, advanced respiratory support
• Temperature regulation through specialised incubators
• Tailored feeding plans and Total Parenteral Nutrition for the tiniest babies
• 24/7 monitoring of breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels
• Strict infection prevention protocols
• Kangaroo Mother Care to strengthen bonding and promote stability
• Early physiotherapy and occupational therapy involvement
This holistic model of care not only improves medical outcomes but also strengthens emotional connection between parents and their newborns.
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Long-Term Considerations: What Parents Should Know
While many premature babies grow up healthy and strong, prematurity can be associated with long-term challenges. These may include:
• Chronic lung problems
• Feeding difficulties or slower growth
• Vision or hearing issues
• Higher vulnerability to infections
• Developmental delays
Early intervention, regular follow-up, and supportive family involvement significantly improve outcomes.
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A New Era in Neonatal Care
The last decade has transformed the landscape of neonatal medicine. Today, babies born at remarkably early stages of pregnancy have survival and development opportunities that were once unimaginable.
Modern advancements now include:
• High-frequency and lung-protective ventilation strategies
• Early surfactant therapy
• Targeted oxygen monitoring
• Tailor-made Total Parenteral Nutrition
• Cutting-edge brain and heart monitoring
• Robust infection-control systems
• Neuroprotective care bundles for extremely premature infants
These innovations mean that even the smallest babies—those weighing just a few hundred grams—can survive and thrive.
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Recognising the Early Signs of Preterm Labour
Early recognition can change everything. Expectant mothers should seek medical care immediately if they notice:
• Regular contractions before 37 weeks
• Persistent lower back pain or pelvic pressure
• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
• A sudden increase in discharge
• Decreased fetal movements
Timely care can help delay labour or prepare the baby for a safer delivery.
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A Message of Hope
Premature birth can be overwhelming, but it is also a story of strength—of tiny hearts fighting big battles, of parents finding hope in uncertainty, and of medical teams working tirelessly to support each new life.
At NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, we are proud to walk this journey with families, offering not only advanced medical care but also compassion, reassurance, and unwavering support. Every premature baby teaches us something invaluable: that even the smallest beginnings can grow into powerful stories of resilience.

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