Survival of premature babies more likely now than in mid-1990s, study shows

Babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy are also less likely to have severe disabilities, although some risk of delayed development remains

Premature babies born in recent years are more likely to survive and less likely to have severe disabilities than those born in the mid-1990s, research has revealed.

According to the World Health Organisation, around 15 million babies worldwide are born before the 37th week of pregnancy every year, with premature babies at higher risk of severe disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, as well as a greater chance of delayed development of language and motor skills.