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Originally Posted by xmas13
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excellent article, thanks for posting the link.
a point to note from that-
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Prematurity is difficult to prevent because the causes are so complex and varied. It can be caused by abnormalities in the uterus or cervix, for example, or by preexisting health problems in the mother, such as diabetes, hypertension or obesity. Blood clotting disorders are increasingly viewed as a major contributor to preterm birth. And as many as 30% of cases may be due to infections such as sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, even gum disease. Infections and inflammation appear to trigger a cascade of physiological changes resulting in labor.
Some women may carry genes that make them vulnerable to preterm birth, Green says. Lifestyle and societal factors are also to blame, including smoking and drug use during pregnancy, poverty and the lack of prenatal care. According to a recent national survey, 20% of women who have been pregnant said they did not visit their doctors within the first three months of pregnancy.
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premature babies are a contributing portion of the overall infant mortality rate whilst perinatal, neonatal, and postneonatal quality of care PROVIDED are not significant contributing factors to infant mortality.
i.e. imr is an indicator of the overall health of a country, not the care provided.