By: Vaishnavi Raju | Date: November 10, 2020

Preterm Birth – Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors And Treatment

" Get acquainted with the signs and symptoms of preterm birth so you can get help quickly in case it happens to you".

Are you worried about preterm birth? Go on to read the details here…

Most of the pregnancies last for 40 weeks. But, babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy are premature babies. Preterm birth is on the rise worldwide. Approximately 1 million children die each year due to complications of preterm birth. Most preterm babies have to spend time in incubators to get special treatment. Preterm births can lead to long term complications for the baby even if they survive.

In this article, we will explain to you the risks and complications of premature birth. We will also explain the treatments for premature babies.

What is Preterm Birth?

Pregnancy and childbirth is an emotional event. It can sometimes lead to depression. Premature birth can be traumatic. Those babies who are born before the 37th week of pregnancy are preterm babies. There are different levels of prematurity when it comes to premature labor.

• Extremely premature – babies born before 28 weeks of pregnancy
• Very preterm – babies born between 28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy.
• Moderate to late preterm- babies born between 32 to 37 weeks of pregnancy.

What are the causes and symptoms of preterm birth?

The reasons for premature delivery are unknown in most cases. According to doctors, some causes may include:-

• Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
• Problem in uterus or cervix of the mother
• The mother gets any infection
• If a mother is suffering from pre-eclampsia then the baby is delivered early
• If the mother has health conditions like diabetes

A history of premature birth…

Preterm birth symptoms can be seen both in the expectant mother as well as the baby. Early signs of labour may include

• Constant ache in the lower back
• Contractions in every 10 minutes
• Cramping in the lower abdomen
• Fluid leaking from the vagina
• Flu-like symptoms such as nausea or vomiting
• Increased pressure in pelvis or vagina
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding
• The small size of the baby with a large head
• Labored breathing or respiratory distress

What are the treatments for premature babies?

Symptoms of labour pain before the due date indicates a preterm delivery. If you deliver a premature baby, your baby will need to stay in the hospital for longer. Depending on the level of prematurity newborn baby care is given. Premature baby development is crucial for a longer and healthier life.

Neonatal intensive care

Babies born due to preterm labor are admitted to neonatal intensive care. Babies are kept in the incubator depending on their weeks of gestation. The incubator will give your baby the treatment they need to be healthy enough to move on. Some preterm babies need NICU infant care for weeks or months.

Surgery

If the preterm baby is suffering from some health problems then it needs surgery. The operation will improve your baby’s chances of survival.

Extra nutrition

If you are unable to breastfeed your baby, your baby will get extra nutrients like fortifiers. Premature baby’s weight is low and thus they need more calories, proteins, and other nutrients than full-term babies. Premature baby care is crucial for the healthy survival of the baby.

What are the risks of premature birth?

There are some risk factors for premature delivery. They include:

• Smoking cigarettes or drug use
• Some infections in the lower genital tracts
• Some chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy.
• In vitro fertilization.
• Stressful events during pregnancy.
• Many miscarriages or abortions
• Physical injury

What are the complications of preterm birth?

Premature babies can develop many complications, if not provided appropriate preterm birth treatment. Premature baby problems may include:

• Breathing problems – preterm baby may have trouble breathing.
• Heart problems – Premature babies may suffer from ductus arteriosus.
• Brain problems – preemie is at greater risk of bleeding in the brain.
• Hypothermia – premature birth can cause hypothermia that can lead to low blood sugar levels.
• Gastrointestinal problems – Immature gastrointestinal systems can cause various problems.
• Blood problems – preterm babies can have anemia and newborn jaundice.
• Metabolism problems – premature baby problems include poor metabolism.

Immune system problems – Immature immune system increases the risk of infections.

How to prevent preterm birth?

The reasons for preterm birth are often unknown. There are some strategies that can help to prevent preterm birth. They include

• Progesterone supplements: Women with a history of preterm birth can reduce the risk by taking progesterone supplements.
• Cervical cerclage: Women with short cervix get it stitched till it’s time to give birth.
• Waiting 18 months between two pregnancies
• Choosing single embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization.

Which specialists to see in a case of preterm birth?

Premature Infant care should be done under the supervision of a neonatologist. A neonatologist is a doctor who specializes in caring for premature babies and children. Visit a neonatologist for regular checkups of your baby for a long time. Hospital staff can also help to find parent support groups that may be able to help you care for your baby.

The bottom line

Babies born before 37th weeks of gestation are premature. Premature babies can have many health problems. Preemies have to spend time in incubators to get special medical care. Preterm birth treatment can lead to proper premature baby development.