“He didn't know if our daughter would make it”. Preterm birth as twofold vulnerability

Preterm birth represents a critical juncture marked by heightened physical vulnerability for infants and socio-psychological vulnerability for their parents. The vulnerability associated with preterm birth extends beyond the neonatal period, shaping the long-term physical, emotional and socio-economic trajectories of both children and their parents. This paper examines the dual vulnerability of preterm birth, focusing on the corporeal fragility of preterm infants and the socio-psychological challenges faced by their parents. Drawing on Turner’s theoretical framework of vulnerability and interdisciplinary research conducted across Italian NICUs, the study highlights the interwoven nature of these experiences and the dynamic, relational aspects of vulnerability emerging in neonatal contexts. Findings reveal the profound emotional toll on parents, the ethical and professional challenges for healthcare staff, the socio-economic and the gender inequalities exacerbated by preterm birth.