The truth about life and death. Prematurity.

Radio documentary on premature babies and simple measures that can save their lives presented by Claudia Hammond. She considers why large numbers of premature babies die or become severely disabled. At the moment, the chance of a baby surviving depends greatly on where in the world it is born. Professor Joy Lawn, paediatrician and perinatal epidemiologist, talks about the first day of life and its dangers, as well as what causes a mother to go into early labour. She mentions the Every Newborn Action Plan led by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, and how it is possible to halve the risk of many problems with very simple measures, such as corticosteroid injections to women in labour, and keeping babies strapped to their mother's front (kangaroo care). In particular, premature babies are highly susceptible to infection. This is considered in Goa, India at one of the hospitals where infection is being tackled. Very simple measures have been used and reporter, Suhail Haleem, speaks to Dr. Maria Silveira, head of paediatrics, about some of these including hygiene, hand washing and drying, sterile clothing and separate infection wards. They refer to the use of 'nests', a special lining around the baby and how chances for babies have vastly improved. Claudia Hammond talks about the EPICure Study at University College London Hospital (beginning 1995) with Professor Neil Marlow. This 20 year study has followed people who were premature babies in the 1990s. They consider how things have changed during that time, particularly the equipment and the space provided, including how much quieter it is. The technology, the understanding of physiology and the atmosphere needs to be conducive to helping babies grow. They look after babies from 23 weeks old, although outcomes are mixed. Joy Lawn talks about the outcomes for babies in middle and low income countries. The kangaroo style of caring is looked at in Goa by Suhail Haleem with a case study. In the studio, Joy Lawn then talks about kangaroo mother care, how it started and how it has been proven to help premature babies. It has been seen as a type of care for poor people but has actually had a fast take up rate in developed countries as well.