
Preterm birth, also known as premature birth, refers to a baby being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. A full-term pregnancy typically lasts around 40 weeks. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know about preterm birth:
Categories of Preterm Birth:
- Extremely preterm: Delivered before 28 weeks
- Very preterm: Delivered between 28 and 32 weeks
- Moderate to late preterm: Delivered between 32 and 37 weeks
Complications of Preterm Birth:
The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of complications. These can include:
- Breathing problems: Premature babies may have underdeveloped lungs, making breathing difficult.
- Feeding difficulties: Sucking and swallowing reflexes might not be fully developed.
- Increased risk of infection: A premature immune system is more susceptible to infections.
- Long-term health problems: Vision problems, hearing difficulties, learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy are potential risks.
Causes of Preterm Birth:
There are various factors that can contribute to preterm birth, and sometimes the exact cause is unknown. Here are some common reasons:
- Multiple pregnancy: Carrying twins, triplets, or more babies increases the risk.
- Maternal health conditions: Urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and chronic health problems can play a role.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, drug use, and inadequate prenatal care are risk factors.
- Uterine problems: A weakened cervix or uterine abnormalities can contribute.
- Placental problems: Issues with the placenta, the organ nourishing the baby, can lead to preterm birth.
Preventing Preterm Birth:
While not always preventable, certain measures can help reduce the risk:
- Prenatal care: Regular doctor visits throughout pregnancy are crucial for monitoring health and identifying potential risks.
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and drugs are important.
- Managing chronic health conditions: Properly managing pre-existing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can help.
If you’re pregnant and concerned about preterm birth, talk to your doctor. They can assess your individual risk factors and provide guidance to promote a healthy pregnancy.
Here are some additional resources you might find helpful: