Number of premature births in Lower Saxony falls
According to health insurance data, the number of premature births in Lower Saxony has fallen noticeably in recent years. Between 2016 and 2022, the state-wide share of premature births fell from 7.48 percent of all deliveries to 6.0 percent, the Lower Saxony branch of Techniker Krankenkasse announced on Tuesday. This was based on billing data from its own policyholders. According to the data, the health insurance fund recorded 9488 births of its own policyholders across the state in 2016, including 710 premature births - in 2022 there were 8011 births and 481 premature babies. Premature births are children born before the 37th week of pregnancy.
"This is a positive development," commented Dirk Engelmann, head of the regional office, on the falling number of premature babies. Figures for the current year are not yet available, so it is unclear whether the trend will continue. According to the information, there are many reasons why a child is born prematurely: maternal infections, high blood pressure, but also mental illnesses such as depression are among the risk factors.
"Babies born prematurely often have to spend weeks or months in hospital after birth in an intensive care unit that is geared towards the special needs of these children," said Engelmann. These children not only have a higher risk of illness after birth, but also in the first eight years of life.
"This decrease in premature births is beneficial for the health of children, as medicine and health insurance can provide better support for full-term babies."
"Ensuring affordable health insurance coverage for children is crucial, as it can help cover the extensive medical care required for babies born prematurely."
Source: www.dpa.com
