Babies born prematurely have better chances of life than in 1995, research shows.
The proportion of babies who survived after being born between 24 and 26 weeks gestation rose to 53 per cent in 2006 from 40pc 11 years earlier. But the life chances of VERY premature babies did not get better over the same period.
Survival rates for tots born between 22 and 23 weeks remained at just 19pc – and 2pc for those born even earlier. The proportion of very premature babies developing severe disabilities also remained unchanged since the 1995 study, according to a report published in the British Medical Journal.
Doctor Ngozi Edi-Osagie, clinical director of the newborn intensive care unit at St Mary’s Hospital said: “It’s great news that more premature babies are being born and are surviving.
“There are risks with babies being born very early because everything is immature, so they have difficulties breathing and eating.
“There can be bleeding on the brain which can cause cerebral palsy or even death.
“Other problems can arise because certain treatments necessary to keep them alive can have damaging side effects.
“The best way to avoid such health problems is to avoid a premature birth in the first place.
“There are methods we can use to stop contractions to stop the mum from going into labour.
“If the baby is born very premature, we try to artificially create conditions in the womb, keeping the baby warm and making sure they have adequate oxygen and ventilation, among other things.’
A Department of Health spokesman said: “While it is good news that more children are surviving premature birth, we need to make sure that sick and premature babies get consistently high quality neo-natal care and support for any disabilities.”
The spokesman also said it is the rise in the number of midwives recruited by the NHS has also led to increases in the quality of care.
He added: “The government has taken action to reduce premature births, but it’s also important that women have personalised care throughout their pregnancy to manage any risks – like smoking – that can contribute to premature births.
“Midwives provide vital personalised, one to one care and there are now almost over 900 more midwives working in the NHS than there were in 2010.”
Kelly Hough, 28, from Sale Moor gave birth to her twins Billy and Kaydon four months early on September 22 last year.
The boys were due on January 13, but were born at 23 weeks, with Billy weighing 1lb 10oz and Kaydon weighing just 1lb 7oz.
Kelly said: “It's so good that more babies are surviving.
“Hospitals are doing really well with it and a lot more research has gone into it.
“Babies born prematurely are more likely to develop health problems, but they do have to be on a lot of medication that wouldn't be given to babies born at full term.
“Getting the amount of oxygen right is crucial, and touch wood, we’re very lucky that our boys are happy and healthy.
“Billy has to wear glasses, but we haven't had to make any trips back to hospital which is good.
“The two of them are ahead of where their development should be at this stage, so we're very proud.”
As Billy and Kaydon spent last December in hospital, Kelly and Gareth are looking forward to their first Christmas at home as a family.
Kelly added: “We're so excited for Christmas this year.
“We've got family coming up and we're going to spoil the boys, even though they won't really realise what's going on.”