Reducing the risk of preterm birth

Publication of the House of Lords’ report Preterm Birth: Reducing Risks and Improving Lives1 coincides with the realisation that the UK will not meet its target to reduce preterm birth to 6% by 2025.2 Currently, 7.9% of all births in England are preterm.3

Preterm births are an important cause of neonatal mortality. They account for three quarters of stillbirths, including late fetal losses (75%) and neonatal deaths (74%),4 and can result in severe lifelong morbidities in those who survive.5 The consequences have far reaching effects on families, who can experience psychological trauma and financial difficulties as they care for affected children.

Recommendations by the House of Lords select committee include that the government and NHS England provide the resources to ensure that clinical guidance is implemented consistently in all regions. Since 2019, the Saving Babies’ Lives care bundle has provided guidance on how to optimise maternity services to reduce stillbirth and preterm birth and …