When a baby is born too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy then we classify it as a preterm birth. Worldwide an estimated 15 million babies are born too early every year. This means that 1 in 10 babies are born premature. Globally the preterm birth rate is on the increase.
Preterm birth is currently the leading cause of infant demise and illness. Research have linked various factors to preterm births; i.e. some babies are genetically predisposed (linked to specific DNA variants in the fetus and not the mother), a poor diet in the mother (high fat and sugar intake), maternal stress and post-traumatic stress disorders, as well as fetal stress are all aspects that have been strongly implicated in preterm births. But a lack of prenatal care, obesity, tobacco use and some fertility treatments can all lead to early births. Teenagers and women who have babies spaced too closely together also have higher rates of preterm birth.
Preterm babies have a higher chance of developing respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological complications. Their lung, heart and brain inflammation and injury can often lead to life-long health problems, for example cerebral palsy, problems with breathing and heart disease and hypertension can also develop.
The most effective intervention to prevent preterm birth is the administration of a natural hormone, progesterone, in patients at risk for premature delivery. Two categories of patients have been eligible for this treatment: those with a short cervix and those with a previous preterm birth.
Umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cells benefits in preterm babies are still in early-phase clinical trials around the world. These stem cells are being used to treat birth asphyxia, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, and brain in premature babies.
These stem cells in cord blood and cord tissue are simple and easy to collect at birth. They are available from the preterm baby and has the potential to be used to treat the preterm baby with their own stem cells, thus giving better recovery and healing.
