Child engaged in drawing activity, reflecting early cognitive development. © Pexels / Olly Children born preterm have an increased risk of cognitive and language difficulties. In this context, researchers identify maternal sensitivity as an important and potentially modifiable early-life factor influencing long-term development. This international individual participant data meta-analysis combined data from seven birth cohorts in five countries and included 2,560 children. Overall, the study found that higher maternal sensitivity relates to better cognitive and language outcomes. Notably, the strongest associations occurred in children born at lower gestational ages. Together, these findings inform newborn care practices and long-term follow-up for preterm children.   Children born preterm often score lower on cognitive and language tests than those born at term. Therefore, identifying modifiable protective factors remains an important goal in newborn care. Maternal sensitivity describes well-attuned and emotionally warm responses to an infant’s cues. In this study, the researchers examined how maternal sensitivity and gestational age relate to later cognitive and receptive language outcomes. To address this question, the researchers conducted a one-stage individual participant data meta-analysis using harmonised data from seven longitudinal birth cohorts in Europe and Oceania. They assessed maternal sensitivity through standardised observations. They then measured cognition and receptive language using validated tests. Finally, the analyses adjusted for relevant child and family characteristics.   Why maternal sensitivity in preterm children is important for newborn care Across cohorts, higher maternal sensitivity related to better cognitive and receptive language scores. Specifically, each standard deviation increase in maternal sensitivity corresponded to higher cognitive and language outcomes. In addition, gestational age independently predicted both outcomes. Importantly, the link between maternal sensitivity and cognition was stronger in children born at lower gestational ages. This pattern suggests a potential protective effect in those born most preterm. Moreover, the association remained after adjustment for neurodevelopmental impairment. In contrast, for receptive language, maternal sensitivity and gestational age showed additive effects. However, the analysis found no significant interaction. As expected, children born extremely or very preterm scored lower on cognitive and language measures than those born at term. Nevertheless, maternal sensitivity continued to show a positive association with cognitive outcomes. Overall, results remained consistent across cohorts despite differences in sampling and timing of assessments.   What this means for parents and health professionals Taken together, the findings show that maternal sensitivity in preterm children relates to improved cognitive and language outcomes across the full range of gestational ages. For health professionals, this supports including approaches that promote sensitive parent–infant interactions in standardised newborn care and follow-up services. Likewise, for parents and families, the results underline the importance of responsive and emotionally warm interactions in everyday care. In addition, the study provides a basis for discussions between parents and health professionals about how follow-up services support sensitive interactions. Ultimately, greater awareness of evidence-based standards may strengthen consistency in care across settings.   Paper available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41655627/ Full list of authors: Jaekel, J; Wolke, D; Esser, G; Woodward, LJ; Spittle, A; Cheong, J; van Baar, AL; Verhoeven, M; Gueron-Sela, N; Atzaba-Poria, N; Anderson, PJ; Treyvaud, K DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2026.115024

Specialised neonatal ambulance used for emergency newborn transfers. © Montreal Children’s Hospital Care can vary when a newborn needs urgent transfer between hospitals, and this can affect safety and access to specialist support. Therefore, a consistent approach is essential. Neonatal emergency transport services form part of a wider perinatal network, and gaps between regions can lead to unequal care. This national survey examined how transport services for newborn emergencies are organised and used across Italy. The study is relevant for parents, families, and health professionals involved in pregnancy, birth, and newborn care. Overall, the findings highlight where services are well established and where more aligned standards could improve consistency.   Neonatal transport is sometimes required even when care is planned around specialist centres. In a decentralised health system, regions organise services differently. As a result, access to standardised newborn care during transfers may vary. The study aimed to describe organisation, coverage, and activity across the country. Researchers sent a questionnaire to all identified neonatal transport teams, and all responded. The survey focused on service organisation and practice rather than medical outcomes.   Why neonatal emergency transport services require standardised newborn care Most regions provided full coverage. However, some areas offered only partial coverage, and one region had no active service despite an approved plan. All services operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nevertheless, most relied on on-call teams drawn from neonatal intensive care staff, while only a few had dedicated transport teams. Over one year, teams reported thousands of transports. Most involved primary transfers to higher-level care, whereas fewer involved back-transfers. Transport duration varied widely, with a median time just over 100 minutes. In addition, the availability of specific capabilities differed between regions, including nitric oxide, phototherapy, and active cooling. Signs of standardisation were evident. For example, many services used transport databases, written guidelines, audits, and internal training. However, activity levels differed sharply. Several teams carried out low numbers of transports each year. Although some regions used air transport, it represented only a small share of total activity.   What this means for parents and health professionals If a newborn requires transfer, parents can ask their care team whether neonatal emergency transport services are available locally and how teams staff them. In practice, health professionals can strengthen consistency by using shared guidelines, regular audits, and structured training. Where possible, planned referral pathways within regional perinatal networks can help match newborn needs to the appropriate level of care. Finally, reviewing local standards may help parents and professionals understand how neonatal emergency transport services operate in their area.   Paper available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/children12020162 Full list of authors: Bellini, C; Gente, M; Minghetti, D; on behalf of the Neonatal Transport Study Group of the Italian Society of Neonatology DOI: 10.3390/children12020162

Illustration of different caesarean section incision types, highlighting the importance of comparable data and standardised perinatal care. © FREEP!K   Large differences in how caesarean sections are used across Europe point to variation in perinatal care. These differences raise questions about how consistently evidence-based care is applied. Caesarean section is a common procedure that can affect maternal and newborn health outcomes. Standardised perinatal care is essential to ensure that evidence-based practice is applied consistently across settings. This joint statement reviews how caesarean section data are collected and compared in Europe. It is written for parents, families, and health professionals involved in pregnancy and newborn care. The paper shows that stronger, shared data standards are needed to support safer and more consistent care.   Differences in caesarean section rates between European countries are wide. Countries with similar resources report very different levels of intervention. This makes it hard to judge whether care is aligned with evidence and standards. Improving standardised perinatal care depends on understanding these gaps. The paper examines how existing European and international data sources report caesarean section rates. It compares routinely used indicators and highlights their limits. The focus is on whether current data allow meaningful comparison and evaluation of care.   Why standardised care matters for perinatal health The authors show that current international data mainly report overall caesarean section rates. These figures vary widely, from low to very high levels across Europe. However, basic rates do not explain why these differences exist. Important details, such as timing, indication, and population characteristics, are often missing. Without shared definitions, comparisons can be misleading. Standardised perinatal care needs comparable data to support evaluation and improvement. The paper also highlights differences between data sources. Some count women, others count births. Definitions of elective and emergency procedures vary. Missing or incomplete information further limits comparison. These inconsistencies reduce the usefulness of data for improving care quality.   What this means for parents and health professionals Clearer data standards can support better conversations about care. When health professionals have reliable information, they can reflect on practice and align care with evidence. Parents and families benefit from more transparent and comparable care approaches. Shared standards help support informed decision-making across settings. Improving data systems is a key step towards more consistent care. The authors encourage discussion about how caesarean section data are collected and used. Greater awareness of care standards can help drive quality improvement across Europe.   Paper available at: European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology Full list of authors: Velebil, P; Durox, M; Zeitlin, J; Mahmood, T; Euro-Peristat Research Group DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2025.02.056