When it is not possible to avoid preterm birth, the most beneficial interventions are those that can increase the chances of survival and improve health outcomes for premature infants.
These interventions are provided to mothers shortly before or during delivery to prevent immediate or future health-related problems in the premature newborn, such as lung immaturity, susceptibility to infection, and neurological complications.
When a premature birth is imminent, evidence-based interventions recommended by the World Health Organization to improve outcomes include the administration of:
- Antenatal corticosteroids
- Magnesium sulphate, if the gestation is under 32 weeks, to protect against neurological complications (cerebral palsy)
- Antibiotics, only for women who experience premature rupture of membranes before term
The administration of tocolytics is not recommended if premature birth is imminent. To ensure that premature babies have the best chance of surviving without disability, it is also essential to provide essential and additional postnatal care to prevent or treat potential complications.
