Consult Super-Specialist Doctors at CARE Hospitals
Updated on 16 August 2024
When a baby is born premature, numerous health problems can arise. So, it's crucial to understand the reasons for premature birth and how to spot the warning signs.
In this blog, let's explore the key symptoms of premature birth, its causes, how doctors diagnose it, and the available treatments. We will also discuss the risks of premature birth, ways to prevent it, and when you should see a doctor.
A premature birth occurs when the delivery happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy. A full-term pregnancy usually lasts around 40 weeks. Prematurity is the leading cause of death in children under five years old. Many premature babies who survive face lifelong disabilities, including learning difficulties and vision and hearing problems. Premature births are divided into categories based on the gestational age:
Babies can be born prematurely due to spontaneous preterm labour or because of a medical need to induce labour or perform a cesarean delivery early.
You should call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs before 37 weeks of pregnancy:
Premature birth can happen spontaneously or be medically induced. Most of the time, the exact cause is unknown. However, certain factors can contribute:
If you've had a premature birth before, you're more likely to experience it again. The earlier the previous preterm birth, the higher the risk.
The doctor will take an in-depth personal & medical history and will discuss risk factors for preterm labour. They will also evaluate your signs and symptoms. Doctors will perform:
If you experience preterm labour or are at risk of premature birth, there are preterm birth treatments available to help protect your preterm baby. These include:
After birth, your premature baby will likely need specialised care in the NICU. Common treatments include:
Premature birth can lead to various short-term and long-term complications for the baby. Generally, the sooner a baby is born, the higher the chance of complications.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of premature labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These signs include:
You can take several steps to diminish your risk of premature birth. Here are some preventive measures:
Premature birth is a complex issue that impacts many families worldwide. Understanding the signs, causes, and potential complications can help expectant parents be better prepared to handle this challenging situation. Early identification and prompt medical attention are crucial to improving outcomes for both mother and baby.
Taking care of a preterm baby can be a challenging journey, but with advances in medical care, many preterm infants go on to live healthy lives. To reduce the risk of premature birth, maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, and attend regular prenatal check-ups.
Premature birth is quite common, affecting around 1 in 10 babies worldwide.
There is no definitive "safe" week for preterm birth, as any birth before 37 weeks is considered premature. However, the risks and potential complications increase the earlier a baby is born.
If you are experiencing signs of preterm labour, your doctor may recommend treatments to try to stop or delay labour. These can include:
Tocolytic medications can often delay labour for 48 hours to 7 days. This window allows time for corticosteroids to help the baby's lungs develop further or for you to be transported to a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) if needed.
While premature birth cannot always be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk:
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