Are aggressive deliveries of very preterm babies justified

Background: Every year there are 15 million babies who are born too soon. The objective of this study was to analyze the neonatal morbidity and mortality of preterm neonates at birth. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology and neonatology. We included all preterm deliveries from 26 weeks to 36 weeks 6 days period of gestation in one year. Neonatal morbidities and mortalities at birth were noted. Results: The rate of preterm birth was 8.49%. Spontaneous preterm labor accounted for 52% of the causes of preterm. Hyperbilirubinemia was the commonest neonatal morbidity affecting 53.2% of the neonates. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and sepsis was highest in neonates of 26 weeks to 28 weeks gestation. This group saw a mortality of 90%. Conclusions: Prematurity is associated with high mortality and long-term morbidity. Low APGARS might be good predictors of neonatal/ infant mortality.  In the extremely preterm neonate, it may prove worthy to weigh the risks and benefits and thereafter counsel the mother and concerned relatives accordingly to help with decision making.