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The premature birth rate has increased in Artsakh since the blockade imposed by Azerbaijan on 12 December, says doctor Nina Hovhannisyan of the Maternal and Child Healthcare Center in Stepanakert (Republican Maternity Hospital).

In total, 215 babies were born in Artsakh under the blockade and 18 of them were premature, a slight increase from 2022, the chief pediatrician said in an interview to the Artsakh Public TV.

According to the doctor, the increase in the number of premature babies is attributed to complications during pregnancy and preterm births mostly caused by stress. The medical staff of the maternity hospital is also not immune to daily stress. There are many problems, but few opportunities to solve them.

"Rolling blackouts and gas supply disruptions do not allow us to maintain a normal temperature in the wards, often causing hypothermia,” she said. “This is an intensive care unit, where children with health problems undergo treatment, so temperature drops may have negative consequences.”

Anush Yesayan, a senior midwife at the Stepanakert Maternity Hospital, claims despite the blockade of Artsakh’s lifeline road, they “don't give in to emotions or provocations.”

"The maternity hospital operates as normal and we try to provide all necessary medicines," she says.

"There is anxiety and concern for the future of our small homeland. We rejoice at the birth of each Artsakh child, as a new generation comes to continue the work of our fallen soldiers," Hovhannisyan adds.

According to Artsakh Public TV, the Maternal and Child Healthcare Center set a unique record on Tuesday: eight babies were discharged from the hospital within a day, which is the highest figure since the blockade.