Speakers - 2026

Title: Long-Term Outcomes of Preterm Births among Adolescent Boys and Girls

Abstract

Preterm birth (also termed as “premature birth”) implies that a baby is born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. It is pertinent to note that a typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. Preterm births occur due to multiple factors. Most preterm births happen spontaneously, however, some occur due to medical reasons, such as chronic health conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease), vaginal bleeding or infections during pregnancy, previous history of preterm births, expecting multiples (twins), and using substances like drugs and alcohol or smoking during pregnancy. In terms of consequences, preterm births cause physical, emotional, and long-term health consequences for women. In addition, such births can result in serious short-term and long-term health risks for new born babies. Consequences of preterm birth depends on how early the baby is born. Prime objective of this research is to provide an insight into long-term outcomes of preterm births among adolescent boys and girls. Secondary data (‘qualitative’ in nature) have been used. They were collected books, book chapters, journal articles, etc. Method of data analysis is ‘descriptive’.

Findings in this work indicate that babies born due to pre-term births may have more health problems or need to stay in the hospital longer than babies born later. Notably, preterm babies may need special medical care in a new-born intensive care units. In terms of outcomes, preterm birth can lead to physical, neurological, and metabolic health consequences that extend into childhood and adult life. Some of these problems are not prevalent during initial years, but infants (both boys and girls) may experience several physical and mental health disorders as they enter into adulthood. Key long-term outcomes linked to preterm birth include:

• Behaviour problems: Preterm babies may be more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a condition that makes it difficult to pay attention and control behaviour pattern.
• Mental health conditions: Preterm babies may be more likely to have anxiety or depression (a condition in which strong feelings of sadness last for a long time and interfere with daily life).
• Neurological disorders: These conditions affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves throughout the body.

Further, preterm birth can cause a baby to have lung and breathing problems, including asthma (a health condition that affects the airways and can cause breathing difficulties). Furthermore, preterm birth can lead to following health complications:

• Dental problems: Preterm babies are confronted with delayed tooth growth.
• Hearing loss: Children born preterm are more likely to have hearing loss.
• Infections: Preterm babies often have comprised immune systems that makes them at increased risk of infections.
• Vision problems: This is an eye disease that affects many premature babies.

This research briefly concludes that preterm births result in lasting neurological, and developmental health challenges that persist through childhood and into adulthood. Such births can often be prevented (managed) through a mix of early medical care, targeted treatments, and healthy lifestyle habits. Required health care interventions, both before and during pregnancy, enables prevent preterm birth.