Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Paediatrician and Newborn Specialist Assist. Prof. Dr. Seyhan Erişir Oygucu explained that the 17th of November World Prematurity Day is a day chosen to draw attention to loss of babies due to premature births and the long-term health problems of premature babies, to raise awareness of the problems faced by these babies and their families and to discuss solutions. Oygucu stated that every year about 15 million premature babies are born, one of every 10 babies are born too early and unfortunately about 1 million of these babies lose their lives.

Paediatrician and Newborn Specialist Assist. Prof. Dr. Seyhan Erişir Oygucu stated that due to some negative conditions related to the mother or the baby, the normal duration of pregnancy could end before 38-40 weeks, and babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are considered premature. Asst. Prof. Dr. Seyhan Erişir Oygucu emphasized that the lower the pregnancy week and birth weight and as well as the problems experienced while still in the womb, the baby may experience more problems after birth.

Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Paediatrician and Newborn Specialist Assist. Prof. Dr. Seyhan Erişir Oygucu underlined that although the baby’s organs are fully formed at 22 weeks, it needs 18 more weeks in the womb to mature. Oygucu stated that after the hospitalization of mothers who are determined to have a risk of premature birth, the drug treatment could be applied twice in 12-24 hours intervals to accelerate the lung development.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Seyhan Erişir stated that despite this treatment, babies with respiratory problems may need to be given external surfactants and attached to a respiratory device to accelerate lung development and provide support. Oygucu also added that premature babies need incubator care because they cannot maintain their body temperature and cannot prevent fluid loss from very thin skin by evaporation.

Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Paediatrician and Newborn Specialist Assist. Prof. Dr. Seyhan Erişir Oygucu added that premature babies, especially those who were born under 32 weeks may have blood circulation problems, immune system weakness, bowel circulation disorders due to the immaturity of their organs.

Oygucu stressed that premature infants, especially those born under 32 weeks, should receive care in a fully equipped neonatal intensive care unit in specialist hands and completed the statement as follows: ‘’ With the good care of the newborn physician and neonatal intensive care nurses, premature babies can catch up physically and mentally to their peers and they can continue their lives completely as normal individuals ”.