The Chair of the Bulgarian Association of Neonatology, Professor Emil Hristov, has stated that 10,3% of newborn babies in 2008 were born prematurely.

Hristov reported that this rate had skyrocketed since 1992 when only 6,6% of babies were born prematurely, with some areas of Bulgaria now seeing a 19% rate. He added that the main first problems seen after birth are breathing difficulties.

Regarding this issue Hristov said that an invaluable donation of respiratory apparatus to 40 hospitals in 33 cities across the country from the campaign "A chance for life, a chance for new memories" has made a huge difference.

Hristov concluded by saying that irrational nutrition, stress, increasing incidence of pregnancy under 19 age and over 35 years of age all led to the rate rise. He added that it is also a worry that 24,8% of babies born in Bulgaria are under 1500 grams.

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