IRDS affects about 1 of newborn infants and is the leading cause of death in preterm infants.

Infant respiratory distress syndrome, in turn, is the leading cause of death in preterm infants, affecting about 1 of newborn infants.

Later in pregnancy, it can trigger preterm labor (labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or cause the baby to grow poorly.

This thermogenic process may be vital in neonates exposed to cold, which then require this thermogenesis to keep warm, as they are unable to shiver, or take other actions to keep themselves warm.

In the event of an accidental interruption of the pregnancy, preterm birth or any other abnormal birth, the employee is entitled to paid leave in accordance with the demands of the medical certificate.