Preventing Premature Birth

Studies have shown that premature babies (those born prior to 37 weeks of gestation or more than 3 weeks prior to their due date) face numerous health risks, including chronic lung disease, developmental delays and cerebral palsy, compared to those who gestate full term. Premature babies (“preemies”) have not been given time for their organs to fully develop, therefore they require specialized care after birth. There is no way to guarantee a full term pregnancy, but there are numerous steps woman can take to increase their odds.

Prenatal care is key to a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant women should undergo early screening for pregnancy risk factors 10-12 weeks after the first day of their last menstrual period. Some of the risk factors include:

1) Age – woman under 18 and over 30 are at higher risk of premature delivery.
2) Vaginal infections – infections such as bladder, kidney, urinary tract, sexually transmitted diseases, yeast and bacterial vaginosis can lead to premature labor. Getting these infections treated will greatly diminish the risk.
3) Previous pregnancy history – a woman who has had one premature baby is at a higher risk for another, as is a woman who has had multiple first trimester abortions or one or more second trimester abortion. Additionally, short time between pregnancies (6-9 months) also puts a woman at higher risk.
4) Multiple fetuses – one or more fetus (twins, triplets) increase the risk of delivering early.
5) Diabetes – women with type 1 or 2 diabetes are more likely to deliver early. Ideally, these women should consult an obstetrician prior to conception to ensure proper glucose control. Poor glucose control at conception increases the risk of birth defects by 20 percent.
6) High Blood pressure.
7) Blood diseases and disorders such as anemia.
8) Cervical or uterine abnormalities.

Pregnant women need to stay hydrated with water and electrolytes, especially in summer. Dehydration causes a rise in the blood’s oxytocin, the natural trigger for contractions.

Signs of premature labor may include: more than 5 contractions or cramps within one hour; bright red blood from the vagina; swelling or puffiness of the face or hands (a sign of preeclampsia); painful urination (possible signs of urinary tract, bladder or kidney infection); sharp or prolonged pain in the stomach; acute or continuous vomiting; sudden gush of clear; watery fluid from the vagina; a low, dull backache; intense pelvic pressure. Always alert your doctor about bleeding or pain if any of these symptoms are present.

Things you can do in the meantime include: emptying you bladder, lying down tilted towards your left side (avoid lying flat on your back, this may cause contractions to increase), drink several glasses of water, monitor contractions for one hour by counting the minutes from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.

Women cannot control all risk factors that may lead to premature birth, but she can do her part. Women should educate themselves how to properly care for their unborn child and what to expect from their medical professionals. If you don’t know, ask. In pregnancy, there is no such thing as a stupid question.