How To Avoid Preterm Labor And Why

By Author: stephaniecutter
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Preterm labor or premature birth refers to instances where labor onset and deliver of the baby occur before 37 weeks gestation. When babies are born prematurely or significantly prior to their due date, there is the apprehension that their organs are not fully developed. Premature birth also raises risk of several complications in the short as well as long term.

Though medical advancements have ensured that more premature babies are able to survive today than before; the causes of premature birth are still not fully understood. Premature babies are at risk of health problems and the earlier they are born, the greater is that risk.

There are several problems that can arise from premature birth-

• Apnea or interruption in breathing is often among premature babies and may be accompanied by slower hearth rate. Respiratory distress syndrome or difficulty in breathing is another problem of prematurity and so the breathing in premature babies is constantly monitored and may also have to be assisted with the help of a ventilator.

• Babies born before 32 weeks are thought to be at risk of bleeding in ...
... the brain. Sometimes the bleeding can be serious and may lead to brain damage.

• Certain heart problems could also be seen among premature babies, such as when the large artery called the ductus arteriosus does not close properly and which may result in heart failure in some cases.

• Babies born before 32 weeks are also at particular risk of developing loss of vision.

• Mild jaundice is common among neonates, but preemies are particularly at risk because of incomplete liver development. The jaundice in some cases may be severe enough to lead to brain damage.

• Not enough red blood cells and consequently anemia is also a common problem among premature infants.

• The risk of certain kinds of infection and chronic lung disease is also higher among premature babies.

So clearly there are many reasons to try and avoid premature labor and delivery however this is not easy to do since the causes of prematurity are not fully understood.

Pregnant women can however do the following to make sure that they have done all that they can be minimize chances of a premature delivery-

• Leading a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy and exercising to keep pre-pregnancy weight normal and also restricting their weight gain during pregnancy to an optimum level. Being a health weight (not overweight or underweight) is vitally important for mother and child for a number of different reasons.

• Taking your folic acid supplement as soon as you get pregnant or decide to get pregnant.

• Visiting the dentist to make sure that your teeth are also in good health.

• Controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.

• Spacing pregnancies and waiting for at least one and a half years after one child to get pregnant again is advisable to give the mother’s body adequate time for recovery and healing.

• Substance abuse, smoking and taking recreational drugs are known to very significantly up the risk of a premature delivery and for this as well as many other reasons should be cut out during pregnancy.

• If a woman is seen to have a high risk pregnancy she should take precautions and follow medical instructions as advised.

Author Bio:

Stephanie writes on pregnancy week by week symptoms, getting pregnant tips, signs of pregnancy, preparing for pregnancy, tests & procedures, pregnancy calendar and pregnancy stages and week by week pregnancy guide.