Place of Birth and Neonatal Health in Cases of Preterm Birth Between 32 and 36 Weeks of Amenorrhoea: a National Population-based Study

Moderate and late premature babies (32-36 weeks of amenorrhoea) account for around 6% of births, but 20% of neonatal deaths. These children also have an increased risk of neonatal morbidity and long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae compared with full-term newborns.

In the case of preterm birth, optimal antenatal, birth and postnatal management is necessary to prevent neonatal complications and mitigate longer-term consequences. However, we lack knowledge about the management of this at-risk population and the factors influencing their health.

This knowledge is needed in the current context of unfavourable trends in neonatal health. Over the last ten years, neonatal and infant mortality has stagnated in France, with France falling behind other European countries. According to the latest European report, France ranks 22nd out of 33 countries. The causes of this stagnation are not well known, but many hypotheses have been put forward, including sub-optimal organisation of care.