Surge in Premature Births Amid Ukraine’s War

Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukraine has seen a rise in births before 37 weeks, especially in front-line oblasts. Pregnant women endure chronic stress from displacement, nightly air-raid sirens, and missile threats. Hospitals in Zaporizhzhia have boarded windows and operate shelters where mothers and newborns spend nights in dim corridors, heightening early-labor risk.

As Ukraine fights off Russia's invasion, some regions see a rise in premature births

UN statistics show the preterm share rose from 5.4 % to 9.8 % in Kherson, from 5.7 % to 7.6 % in Zaporizhzhia, and from 7.7 % to 9.8 % in Poltava (2019-2025). These near-doublings occur as total births fall due to displacement and emigration, underscoring a war-driven demographic shift.

Associated Press

Neonatal units at Zaporizhzhia’s children’s hospital and maternity hospital maintain intensive care despite frequent sirens. Dr. Andrii Lobanov, head of neonatal intensive care, stresses oxygen regulation to prevent retinal damage. Staff stay at bedside during alerts, using temperature-controlled incubators, ventilators and IV nutrition, while many survivors need respiratory or neurological follow-up.

As Ukraine fights off Russia's invasion, some regions see a rise in premature births

Dr. Andrew Weeks of the University of Liverpool notes infection, compounded by delayed diagnosis, raises preterm-labor risk. Isaac Hurskin, UN Population Fund spokesperson, warns acute stress and pregnancy complications could deepen Ukraine’s demographic crisis, with fertility near one child per woman. Dr. Lobanov says neonatal care costs strain a war-torn health system, forcing budget choices.

As Ukraine fights off Russia's invasion, some regions see a rise in premature births

The cost of prolonged intensive care threatens to divert scarce resources from other services. Rising emergency cesarean sections and infection-related complications reveal gaps in prenatal screening and infection control, raising questions about humanitarian aid adequacy for maternal health.

Associated Press

• “The doctors told me that if he survived the first three days, everything would be OK,” — Marharyta Nekhoroshyva, mother of a preterm infant

As Ukraine fights off Russia's invasion, some regions see a rise in premature births

• “Premature birth is very affected by infection,” — Dr. Andrew Weeks, professor of international maternal healthcare, University of Liverpool

As Ukraine fights off Russia's invasion, some regions see a rise in premature births

• “We’re seeing this real link between acute stress and birthing and pregnancy-related complications,” — Isaac Hurskin, spokesperson, UN Population Fund

As Ukraine fights off Russia's invasion, some regions see a rise in premature births

• “When a patient calls to say her husband has been killed in the war, the only thing I can tell her is: ‘Come to us. We will take care of you,’” — Nataliia Bohuslavska, head of the neonatal unit, Zaporizhzhia maternity hospital

As Ukraine fights off Russia's invasion, some regions see a rise in premature births

The UN data cover only Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Poltava; nationwide preterm rates and figures from other front-line oblasts are not published, limiting a full assessment of the war’s impact on maternal health.

Associated Press

International agencies plan expanded monitoring of pregnancy outcomes, increased neonatal supply shipments, and targeted funding for infection control, mental-health support for expectant mothers, and protection of health-care infrastructure.

Associated Press