A study of premature births

Summary and Conclusions

In this study, 252 prematures were seen among 2,886 deliveries. The average prematurity rate was 8.73 per cent. Most of the prematures (36.5 per cent) were born of women 21–25 years of age. The premature babies were most frequently (46.1 per cent) associated with the birth order of 1–3. Prematurity rate increased progressively from the most favoured to the least favoured socio-economic group. The importance of smoking on the incidence of premature births is stressed and the mode of action of the effect of smoking upon the baby discussed. Perinatal mortality was significantly higher among premature infants. The problem of prematurity is great in this country and there is much to be done by improving standards of health, nutrition and living in the low socio-economic groups and in providing them with a high standard of obstetric and pediatric care.