Premature birth is one of the greatest health hazards of humankind.
In fact, prematurity is the single most common cause of sickness and death among newborn babies worldwide. In addition, it imposes major financial costs on the family, health care system, society, and economy. These babies are so premature that their chances of life and good health are poor. Many will have disabilities that will affect them throughout their lives. Despite the widespread use of drugs to stop premature labor, the rate of premature birth has stayed stable for decades.