World Prematurity Day Australia

26/05/2026

May is also World Pre-eclampsia Awareness Month and May 22 was World Pre-eclampsia Awareness Day. In Australia Pre-eclampsia (PE) is the most common serious medical disorder of human pregnancy. Particularly in their first pregnancy, pregnant women can suffer from high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction leading to leakage of protein into the urine, swelling of hands, feet and face, and, in severe cases, dizziness, headaches and difficulties with vision. This condition is called pre-eclampsia. If left untreated, it can lead to convulsions and other life-threatening problems for both mother and baby. Pre-eclampsia only occurs when a woman is pregnant, and currently, the only cure for it is to end the pregnancy, even if the baby is not yet ready for birth.
In Australia, mild pre-eclampsia occurs in 5-10% of pregnancies and severe pre-eclampsia in 1-2% of pregnancies. Pre-eclampsia and complications associated with this condition account for 15% of direct maternal mortality and 10% of perinatal mortality. Pre-eclampsia is the indication for 20% of labour inductions and 15% of Caesarean sections. It also accounts for 5-10% of preterm deliveries

18/05/2026

May is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Awareness Month and yesterday was International NEC Awareness Day. The message from GFCNI explains what NEC is and why awareness is important

17/04/2026

Can you help with this important research?
Did the hospital offer you donor milk for your baby (or babies)?
If yes, researchers from the SHARE Study would like to talk to you — even if you chose not to accept the offer of donor milk. This study is a collaboration between the University of Adelaide, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), the Women's and Children's Hospital and the Centre for Research Excellence in Human Milk Nutrition for Preterm Infants. It has been
approved by the Women's and Children's Health Network Human Research Ethics. Committee (Approval Number: 2025/HRE00302).
Click the link to find out more and join the study: https://redcap.link/idqif6vb

05/04/2026

Happy Easter

14/03/2026

Another reminder that World Prematurity Day, following endorsement by the World Health Organisation, will now be celebrated on 15 November each year.
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-prematurity-day

10/03/2026

💛 Parents: Share your NICU, SCN, or PICU experience!
Western Sydney University is researching parents’ experiences of developmental care rounds — sessions where doctors, nurses, and other specialists meet with parents to provide strategies, resources, and guidance to support you and your baby in hospital. These rounds can help parents feel more confident in caring for their baby.
We don’t know much about parents’ experiences of these rounds, so this research aims to understand your thoughts. Your input could help improve and promote developmental rounds for other babies and families across the country.

🕒 What’s involved?
A short, anonymous online survey taking about 10 minutes.
Your insights could help make developmental care rounds more supportive, informative, and responsive to parents’ needs.
🔗 https://surveyswesternsydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6R7uDI49nkhAbbg

05/03/2026

Great article about early brain development in preterm babies during their stay in the neonatal nurseries and the important role of Occupational Therapists. Also stresses the importance of developmental care and partnering with families. A long but easy article to read. Thank you to The Australasian Nidcap Training Centre for sharing.

Developing In The NICU: Interventions For The Early Brain, Part 1
Jenny Jolly, MS, OTR/L, Caroline Molder, MS, OTR/L
An article promoting a neurodevelopmental care model to optimise developmental outcomes for infants cared for in a NICU.
https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/articles/developing-in-nicu-interventions-for-4878

28/01/2026

Can you help with this research being undertaken by the University of Queensland? If you are over 18, based in Australia, and the parent of a baby born preterm in the last 12 months, please consider participating in this study.
Researchers from The University of Queensland need your help to develop a new online, compassion-based mental health program designed specifically for parents of babies born preterm.
What’s involved?
Complete a brief online questionnaire.
Review a package of evidence-based mental health materials.
Connect with other parents in a small online focus group.
To show appreciation for your time, participants will receive a $20 gift card upon completion.
Ready to take part? Further information about the study and sign-up details can be found here: https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/caregivers/

23/12/2025

Have a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for 2026.

19/12/2025

Thank you to everyone for sharing your stories to raise awareness of preterm birth this World Prematurity Day. As previously advised World Prematurity Day is now endorsed as a WHO World Health Day. However, because of clashes with other World Health Days, World Prematurity Day will from 2026 be celebrated on 15 November.