October 23, 2019

the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) has published new guidance for treating extremely premature babies, in response to emerging evidence of improved survival rates

The British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) will publish new guidance for treating extremely premature babies, in response to emerging evidence of improved survival rates.

When the last BAPM guidance was published in 2008, it indicated that only two out of ten babies born at 23 weeks (more than four months before their due date) and receiving treatment in neonatal intensive care would survive.

Since then, advances in neonatal and obstetric care have improved survival rates for the most premature babies. Today, four out of 10 babies born at 23 weeks and receiving treatment in UK neonatal units are expected to survive.

The speakers addressed:

• What the new guidance means for the care of extremely premature newborns in the UK
• Latest information about survival rates for extremely premature babies
• Support for parents and doctors around decision-making

Speakers included:

Dr Helen Mactier, President of the British Association of Perinatal Medicine and Consultant Neonatologist at the Princess Royal Maternity in Glasgow

Prof Dominic Wilkinson, Professor of Medical Ethics at the University of Oxford and Consultant Neonatologist at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford

An SMC Roundup of Comments accompanied this briefing.