The Role of Biomarkers and Environmental Factors in Predicting and Managing High-Risk Pregnancies

Dr. Louise Wilkins-Haug is the Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She leads research focused on high-risk pregnancies, including preterm birth, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction. She is particularly involved in the LifeCodes Study, which examines biomarkers and environmental impacts on pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous preterm birth

Every preterm infant deserves a fighting chance; our commitment to their care can make all the difference in their journey

Every preterm infant deserves a fighting chance; our commitment to their care can make all the difference in their journey” highlights the essential role that healthcare professionals, families, and communities play in supporting preterm infants. It emphasizes that every fragile life is worthy of the best care, which includes not just medical interventions but also emotional and social support

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More Information about AFPNC

Advancing Preterm and Newborn Care in Africa

The African Foundation for Premature Babies and Neonatal Care (AFPNC) is the leading pan-African organization and network focused on advocating for the needs of preterm and newborn infants, as well as their families.


We unite parents, healthcare professionals from diverse fields, and researchers with a common mission to improve the long-term health outcomes of preterm and newborn children. Our vision is to provide every baby with the healthiest possible start to life.


Through our initiatives, we strive to lower preterm birth rates, provide the highest standard of care and support, and improve the long-term well-being of preterm infants and newborns affected by health conditions.

Preterm Birth

Preterm birth happens when a baby is born too early—before the mother has been pregnant for the full 9 months (or 37 weeks). Normally, babies are born around 40 weeks, but a preterm baby comes out earlier, sometimes as early as 6 or 7 months.

 

Why Is Preterm Birth Important?

Babies need time in the mother’s belly to grow and get strong. If they come out too early, their body parts (like their lungs, heart, or brain) might not be fully ready to work properly. This can make it harder for them to breathe, eat, and fight off sicknesses after birth.

Purple Basket Project

The Purple Basket Project is a charitable initiative aimed at raising funds to support mothers of preterm babies who are in need. The funds collected are used to procure essential items that these mothers require to care for their preterm infants. These items may include things like baby clothes, feeding supplies, diapers, medical equipment, and other necessities that can ease the financial burden on families who are already facing the challenges of caring for a preterm baby.


By providing these resources, the Purple Basket Project plays a critical role in ensuring that both the mothers and their preterm infants receive the necessary care and support, helping to improve the health outcomes and well-being of these vulnerable babies

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Preterm Babies and Their Care
A preterm baby is a baby born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. Since they are born early, their bodies, especially their organs like the lungs and brain, may not be fully developed, requiring extra medical care.
Preterm babies are at higher risk because their bodies haven’t had enough time to develop fully in the womb. For example, their lungs may not be ready to breathe on their own, or their immune systems might be too weak to fight off infections. The earlier they are born, the higher the risks.
Preterm babies are usually cared for in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where they receive specialized care. They may need incubators to keep them warm, breathing machines to help them breathe, feeding tubes, and round-the-clock medical attention until they are strong enough to survive without assistance.
Yes, with the right medical care, many preterm babies grow up healthy and lead normal lives. While some may face developmental delays or health challenges early on, most can overcome these with early interventions, specialized care, and continued support.
Preterm birth can happen for many reasons. Some common causes include multiple pregnancies (like twins or triplets), infections, maternal health conditions (like high blood pressure or diabetes), or complications during pregnancy. Sometimes, the exact cause is unknown.
Selina Bentoom

Selina Bentoom

CEO/ Founder

Crafted a designs for Pantheon, a subsidiary of Knopf, as an editor of Rise of creativity also an advocate for design.

WHY WE ARE BEST

Donate to a good cause

Donating to save a preterm baby’s life is one of the most meaningful acts of kindness you can offer. Preterm babies are born too early and often face serious health challenges because their bodies aren’t fully developed.

They need special care, medical equipment, and essential items to survive and grow strong. Many families, especially those in need, struggle to afford this care.

Your donation can provide life-saving resources—like incubators, feeding supplies, and medical support—that can make the difference between life and death for these fragile infants. By donating, you are giving a preterm baby the chance to grow, thrive, and live a healthy life.

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