Premature Birth: Symptoms, Risks, Prevention, and More

Premature birth refers to the birth of a baby before the 37th week of pregnancy. A typical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks. Those last weeks inside the womb are vital for healthy weight gain and the complete development of various essential organs, such as the brain and lungs.

Premature birth may occur as a result of preterm labour. The sooner a preterm delivery occurs, the bigger the risk to your baby's health. Premature newborns need specialised care within the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). The precise reason for premature labour is often unknown. Certain risk factors may raise the likelihood of preterm labour, but it may also happen in pregnant women with no recognised risk factors.

What are the most prevalent causes of Preterm Birth?

Premature births may occur unexpectedly and with no recognised reason. Doctors may need to start labour early for medical reasons. Premature labour may also occur as a result of the following:

• Diabetes and infections can sometimes cause preterm birth.
• Taking drugs or alcohol
• There is insufficient time (less than six months of age) between pregnancies.
• Vaginal bleeding or infections during pregnancy can also cause premature birth.

Symptoms of Premature Birth

Your child might show mild or obvious signs of being born prematurely. Some of those symptoms of prematurity are:

• the body is small in size, yet with an abnormally huge head.
• due to the lack of fat storage, the features are sharper and less rounded than those of a full-term infant.
• lanugo (fine hair) covers most of the body.
• low body temperature, particularly in the delivery area, is owing to a lack of stored fat.
• breathing difficulties or respiratory discomfort.

Risk Factors of Premature Birth 

• Age

Pregnant women under the age of 18 and beyond the age of 30 have the highest chance of going into premature labour.

• Pregnancies in multiples

Pregnant women carrying multiple sets (twins, triplets, or even more) are more likely to have an early birth and other difficulties.

• Nutritional deficiencies.

Pregnant women with an exceptionally low BMI are at increased risk of premature birth. Pregnant women with a low nutritional status are also at a higher risk.

Prevention of Premature Birth

Several things may be done to assist women, particularly those who are at a higher risk, in lowering the risk of preterm delivery, including:

• Smoking, tobacco, and e-cigarettes should all be avoided.
• Don't consume alcohol while pregnant.
• Avoid using drugs and abusing prescription medications.
• Consume a well-balanced diet rich in iron and folic acid.
• Be physically active every day.
• Lose some weight to avoid becoming obese; gain weight if you are underweight.
• Reduce your stress levels by practising yoga and meditation.
• Work on keeping a positive relationship with your partner.

Conclusion

Those last weeks in the womb are critical for healthy weight growth and the complete development of essential organs, such as the brain and lungs.  As a result, preterm newborns may have more medical issues and need a lengthier hospital stay. 

Premature delivery was formerly the leading cause of infant mortality. Today, the quality of medical care and the survival rates of preterm babies have increased. If your child gets good healthcare professionals and supervision, then they can lead a healthy life.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Brookefield. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.