ABSTRACT
In the UK, there are 650,000 babies born each year and of these approximately 7 per cent are born prematurely. Approximately one third are iatrogenic for causes such as pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and abruption, while the remainder are spontaneous. A preterm birth, defined as one that occurs before 37+0 weeks of gestation, is the single most important determinant of adverse infant outcome in terms of both survival and quality of life. Very preterm birth (less than 28 weeks gestation) accounts for 1.4 per cent of UK births but 51 per cent of infant deaths. Although birth at 32+0 to 37+0 weeks of gestation is associated with less risk than very preterm birth, there is growing recognition that even this moderate level of prematurity is associated with an increased risk of infant death. The risk of death or neurosensory disability increases with decreasing gestational age. Preterm birth can have huge psychosocial and emotional effects on the family, as well as being costly for health services.
