Experts bust 8 myths about preterm babies, their long-term health

Hyderabad: Prematurity continues to be one of the main contributors to neonatal mortality in India, yet public understanding of the condition remains limited.

Families often encounter misinformation, cultural beliefs and assumptions that can delay care or increase emotional stress.

On World Prematurity Day, neonatologists say the first step toward improving outcomes is correcting the myths surrounding early births.

Myth 1: Preterm babies don’t survive in India.

Survival rates for premature babies have changed significantly in the last decade. With improved NICU facilities, antenatal steroids, infection control and trained staff, outcomes have steadily improved across both government and private hospitals.

Dr A Prashanth, a neonatologist speaking to NewsMeter, explains, “We regularly see babies as small as 800–900 grams survive with proper care. The idea that preterm babies cannot survive in Indian settings is outdated. The determining factor today is timely access to neonatal care, not geography.”

In several states, district-level NICUs now routinely stabilise moderate preterm infants. For extremely preterm babies, referral networks have strengthened.

Myth 2: Prematurity happens because the mother did something wrong.

Blame culture remains common, especially in rural and semi-urban households. Mothers are often held responsible for diet, physical work, stress or household behaviour.

However, doctors stress that prematurity is a medical event with multiple complex factors.

Dr Meera Natarajan, an obstetrician, says, “Most causes of prematurity are not in the mother’s control. Conditions like hypertension, infections, multiple pregnancies, thyroid disorders, poor placental function or even spontaneous early labour can lead to preterm birth. Blaming the mother serves no medical purpose.”

The emotional impact of such blame can affect bonding and postpartum recovery. Health workers now place emphasis on counselling families immediately after a preterm delivery.

Myth 3: A baby who looks small must be kept at home, not in a NICU.

In many communities, families hesitate to admit very small babies to hospitals, believing they are “too fragile to be handled” or “better off at home.” The misconception can be fatal.

Preterm babies require controlled temperature, infection prevention, respiratory support and nutritional monitoring, conditions impossible to replicate in a home environment.

Neonatal teams continue to educate families that the NICU is specifically designed to protect fragile babies, not overwhelm them.

Myth 4: NICU babies always have long-term problems.

While prematurity can increase the risk of developmental issues, the majority of preterm infants grow up healthy with proper follow-up.

Dr K Vikas, a developmental paediatrician, notes, “With early intervention, most preterm children achieve age-appropriate milestones. The assumption that every preterm baby will have problems is inaccurate and can discourage families from seeking timely screening.”

Routine developmental checks, vision tests, hearing assessments and physiotherapy support significantly improve outcomes.

Myth 5: Kangaroo Mother Care is applied only when resources are limited.

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), skin-to-skin contact combined with exclusive breastfeeding, is often misunderstood as an alternative used only in low-resource environments. Research has consistently shown that KMC is beneficial across all medical settings.

It stabilises temperature, reduces infections, improves weight gain and strengthens bonding.

Neonatal nurse Lakshmi Devi, who trains mothers in KMC, says, “Even babies in advanced NICUs benefit from KMC. We encourage mothers and fathers to practice it daily once the baby is stable. It is not a substitute for technology; it works alongside it.”

Myth 6: If a preterm baby isn’t feeding well, formula is the only solution.

Feeding challenges are common in preemies due to immature sucking reflexes. Families often assume that formula is the immediate answer. However, breast milk remains the safest option due to its immunity-boosting properties and ease of digestion.

Doctors often use methods such as cup feeding, syringe feeding, expressed breast milk or donor human milk before recommending formula.

Myth 7: Preterm babies must be kept in silence and darkness at home for months.

Many households maintain strict rules about limiting sound, light, or visitors. While infection control is important, complete sensory deprivation can affect the baby’s development.

Controlled stimulation, soft voices, gentle touch and appropriate lighting are necessary for brain growth. Paediatricians advise families to balance protection with healthy interaction.

Myth 8: Once the baby comes home from the NICU, follow-ups are optional.

This is one of the most harmful misconceptions. Follow-up assessments track weight gain, growth, feeding, hearing, vision and motor milestones.

Dr Vikas emphasises, “We often see parents relax after discharge. But preterm babies need structured follow-up for at least two years. Early detection leads to timely intervention, which is why follow-up is essential.”

Skipping these appointments can delay the identification of treatable issues.

Why busting myths matters

Correct information allows families to:

• Seek early antenatal care

• Understand the value of NICU support

• Practice KMC confidently

• Follow feeding and developmental guidance

• Provide emotional support to the mother

• Attend follow-up visits consistently

Prematurity is a medical condition, not a consequence of personal failure, cultural belief, or family behaviour. As India strengthens neonatal care, awareness must evolve alongside clinical progress.