PREMATURE BIRTH

This study tested whether wrapping premature babies in a plastic bag (polyethylene bag) keeps them warmer than the usual prewarmed blanket during transfer from the delivery room to the NICU. Sixty-seven babies weighing 2 kilograms or less were randomly assigned to one of the two …

This pilot study tested whether giving late preterm babies (34-37 weeks) born by C-section a short course of CPAP breathing support right after delivery could reduce their need for extra oxygen or breathing help. 120 babies were randomly assigned to receive either early CPAP or s…

This study looked at whether starting kangaroo mother care (skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding support) within the first 24 hours helps healthy preterm babies born weighing less than 2000 grams. 100 infants were randomly assigned to early kangaroo care or standard care. The r…

This study tested whether a group-based prenatal program called Centering Pregnancy, combined with a care navigator, could improve pregnancy outcomes for Marshallese women. 38 pregnant women participated, and researchers tracked preterm birth, low birthweight, and C-section rates…

This study tested whether natural progesterone or a cervical pessary (a silicone ring placed in the vagina) is better at preventing early birth in pregnant women with a short cervix (25 mm or less). The trial included 203 women with a single baby. Researchers tracked how many gav…

This study tested two forms of progesterone—vaginal gel and a shot—to see which works better at preventing another preterm birth in women who had one before. About 210 pregnant women with a prior preterm birth took part. The goal was to find out if the vaginal option is more effe…

This study tested music therapy for preterm infants in the NICU. Twenty-one medically stable babies (28 weeks or older) and their caregivers received music therapy sessions, including skin-to-skin contact, singing, and support. Researchers measured heart rate, breathing, temperat…

This study tested whether using virtual reality (VR) for relaxation helps mothers of premature babies produce more breast milk and feel more confident about breastfeeding. Forty-four first-time mothers with babies in the NICU used a VR headset showing calming nature scenes and mu…

This study looked at brain wave patterns in 28 healthy premature infants born between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. Researchers used EEG to measure a specific type of brain activity called temporal theta slow-wave activity. The goal was to understand where this activity comes fro…

This study looked at 136 premature babies who needed breathing help. Researchers tracked how long they needed support and checked for lung problems. The goal was to learn more about different non-invasive breathing methods, not to test a new treatment.

This study looked at 55 very premature babies (born at 28-30 weeks) to see if natural mother's milk or pasteurized milk better helps their guts mature. Researchers measured bioactive molecules in the milk and tracked gut development during small feedings. The goal was to understa…

This study tested whether playing recordings of a mother's voice to preterm babies in the NICU helps their brain and language development. Researchers enrolled 57 preterm infants born between 24 and 31 weeks. The goal was to see if this simple, non-invasive intervention could imp…

This study tested a web-based parent training program called ezParent, with or without extra telephone coaching, for parents of toddlers born very premature (before 32 weeks). Over 450 parents took part, and researchers measured changes in parenting skills, stress, and child beha…

This study looked at whether feeding very low birth weight premature infants directly into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) is safe and doable. The goal is to reduce stomach reflux that can worsen lung damage. Twenty-four infants were randomly assigned to rece…

This study tested a new, noninvasive device that uses light to monitor blood flow and oxygen in the brains of extremely premature babies. Researchers followed 100 infants born before 29 weeks to see if the device could detect problems linked to brain bleeding. The goal is to give…

This study looked at whether allowing parents to push a syringe for their premature baby's tube feeding (instead of using a machine) helps them spend more time in the neonatal intensive care unit. 72 babies born between 30 and 34 weeks were included. The main goal was to compare …

This study looked at 51 stable premature infants to see how their lung volume changes when placed in a car seat. Using a special imaging technique called electrical impedance tomography, researchers measured breathing patterns in three positions: lying flat, sitting in a car seat…

This study followed 603 pregnant women in South Africa to see if infections or bacteria in the vagina are linked to how early they give birth. Researchers tested for sexually transmitted infections, yeast, and other germs at the start of pregnancy and again at 30-34 weeks. The go…

This study looked at medical records of 250,000 preterm infants born in England and Wales to find out when they are ready to go home. Researchers tracked three key milestones: breathing without help, feeding by mouth, and reaching a healthy weight. The goal is to reduce unnecessa…