Premature infants need extended care as survival improves, study shows lasting challenges

A large British study of nearly 16,000 children born before 32 weeks gestation found that more than half were not fully school‑ready at age five, with common difficulties in communication, language, physical and emotional development. The earlier a baby was born, the greater the risk, and children from economically disadvantaged areas faced similar obstacles to those caused by extreme prematurity. Researchers highlighted modifiable factors such as maternal smoking, NICU nutrition and early developmental support that could improve long‑term outcomes.

In the United Arab Emirates, advances in neonatal care have increased survival rates for extremely premature infants, but many now require specialised rehabilitation. At SEHA’s Salma Rehabilitation Hospital, about one‑third of paediatric patients are former pre‑term babies. The story of twins born at 23 weeks, whose sister continues to experience movement delays despite progress, illustrates the growing need for ongoing therapy and support for these children.