Preterm Birth (Premature Birth): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Preterm birth has become a rising concern worldwide due to its complicated nature. Statistics show that every year, around 15 million preterm births occur worldwide, making it a leading cause of neonatal mortality. It also causes various short-term and long-term health concerns in children and prevents them from leading a healthy lifestyle. This article will provide all the important facts regarding preterm birth so that the expecting parents can avoid it from happening. 

What is Preterm Birth?

Preterm birth is the type of childbirth where the baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation. In case of a normal pregnancy, it takes 4o weeks to give birth without much complications. However, babies that are born before 37 weeks are considered premature as they face various health challenges due to their incomplete organ development. The earlier the babies are born, the more challenges they face. 

Key Signs of Preterm Birth 

There are some crucial signs before the completion of 37 weeks that might indicate a preterm birth. You need to stay aware of the following signs and consult your gynecologist as soon as they appear. 

• Contractions in regular intervals in 4-6 hour gaps. Don’t ignore these even if they are not painful. 
• Constant back pain of low intensity.
• Feeling some sort of pelvic pressure as if the baby is trying to push down\
• Bloody of mucus like vaginal discharge
• Bleeding from the vagina
• Leaking or gushing fluid from the vagina
• Diarrhea or stomach issues without any particular reason

Even if the symptoms are mild, you need to consult your doctor promptly. Early detection and immediate treatment can prevent complications of preterm birth. 

Reasons Behind Preterm Birth

There might be different types of reasons behind a preterm birth, and often the exact reason remains unknown. However, some common conditions might increase the chances of preterm birth. 

• Infection: Some infections, like UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) or STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection), can trigger a premature labour. 
• Multiple Pregnancies: If you are carrying more than one baby, there is a chance of preterm birth. 
• Previous Occurrence: If yoy altready have a preterm birth before, there is a chance that you might face it again. 
• Placental Complications: Critical conditions of the placenta, where it separates from the uterus (Placental Abruption) or covers the cervix (Placenta Previa), can cause an early labour. 
• Age: Being very young or old during pregnancy (under 17 or above 35) can lead to preterm birth. In this case, it is important to remember that young mothers face more challenges than older mothers during pregnancy. 
• Overexertion: Excessive physical labour during pregnancy, especially between the second and third trimesters, can increase the risk of a preterm birth. 
• Lifestyle Factor: Smoking and alcohol or drug use during pregnancy are the primary causes of pregnancy-related complications and might lead to a preterm birth. 

If you have concerns regarding preterm birth, you should talk to your healthcare provider and take proper preventive measures. 

Diagnosis

For diagnosis, the doctor will discuss your medical history and lifestyle to understand the risk factors. They will also evaluate the signs and symptoms you have been facing. Doctors might perform the following tests for an in-depth understanding of your condition. 

• Urine Test: The doctors often suggest a urine test to detect the presence of some particular bacteria.
• Uterine Monitoring: This is usually performed to check the duration and timing of your contractions. 
• Ultrasound: This is a very common test that doctors often perform during pregnancy. This helps them to understand the position of the baby and the fluid volume.

Preterm Birth Complications 

Preterm birth can cause several complications for the baby as well as the mother. Some of the short-term complications may include:

• Breathing Issues
• Heart Problems
• Intraventricular Hemorrhage 
• Low Body Temperature
• Digestion Issues 
• Weak Immune System
• Jaundice 

There are also some long-term complications that might prevent a healthy growth of the baby. These might include:

• Cerebral Palsy
• Developmental Delays
• Speech Issues
• Behavioral Challenges like ADHD
• Chronic Lung Problems

Treatment

Some treatments are available to protect the baby from the complications of preterm birth. These treatments can be categorized into two parts: 

1. Before Birth

• Tocolytic Medications: These medications are provided to delay labour temporarily so that the condition can be managed.
• Antibiotics: The doctor will give antibiotics if your water breaks early. It will reduce the chances of any kind of infection. 
• Magnesium Sulfate: Medications containing Magnesium Sulfate are often provided to protect the baby’s brain, especially before 32 weeks. 
• Corticosteroids: This helps in protecting the lungs of the baby and reducing breathing difficulties. 

2. After Birth

• NICU  Care: After birth, the preterm babies are placed within the incubators to keep them warm. This also helps in maintaining their body temperature.
• Ventilation Support: This is necessary if the lungs of the babies are underdeveloped. 
• Phototherapy: This is a common treatment for premature babies who develop jaundice. They are placed under a special light so that the nutrients can be broken down.
• Feeding Support: Premature babies often need IV nutrition where they are fed through a tube until they can suck or swallow.

Prevention 

Prevention of premature birth is often possible. Lifestyle modifications play an important role in eliminating the chances. 

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or underweight is often the cause of preterm birth. Keep a healthy weight through light exercise and proper diet.
• Avoid Harmful Habits: Quit smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy to ensure a safe pregnancy.
• Manage Stress: Stress or depression can increase the chance of preterm birth. Consult your doctor and keep control over your stress and other related issues.
• Prevent Infections: Practice good hygiene during pregnancy to prevent infections. Wash your hands frequently and make sure your restroom is properly disinfected. 

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical help if you experience the following symptoms

• Painful Contraction in regular intervals
• Lack of movement from the baby
• Blood in urine 
• Vaginal bleeding 
• Continous fluid leakage from the vagina