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Premature birth or preterm birth occurs when a baby is born with a pregnancy of less than 37 weeks. Although most of the infants born prematurely might live and grow up healthy, they have higher chances of experiencing health complications immediately after birth and in future, including breathing difficulties, feeding difficulties or developmental delays.
Anybody can become preterm and the causes may be medical conditions in the mother to complications during the lifestyle or pregnancy. That is why it is so crucial to learn the early warning signs. Early detection of symptoms and timely medical intervention can go a long way in ensuring that the mother and the baby have better results.
Educating pregnant women about preterm birth, its symptoms and prevention will help them to take proactive actions to ensure their health and provide their child with an optimal start in life.
Premature birth or preterm birth occurs when a child is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy have passed. An average full term pregnancy is approximately 40 weeks and premature babies might not have well-developed organs. This may impair their breathing, feeding, and body temperature maintenance capacities, and in other situations, it may cause long-term health problems as they grow.
Although preterm and premature mean the same thing, physicians tend to refer to preterm as the medical term indicating babies born early. Preterm birth may occur due to a wide variety of causes, such as medical problems in the mother, infections, placental problems, or lifestyle choices.
It is significant that expectant mothers understand the meaning of preterm birth and are aware of the early warning signs. Early health services would minimize the risk and enhance the possibility of a healthy beginning of the baby.
The severity of preterm birth may be different based on the time of the early birth of a baby. Medical practitioners have certain categories that they employ to define the timing of birth, which can be used to inform the type of care that a baby is likely to require upon birth. Premature babies usually require additional special care in order to remain healthy.
Here are the common types of preterm birth:
Understanding these categories can help parents prepare for the level of care their baby might need and work closely with medical professionals for the best possible outcomes.
Preterm birth can happen to anyone. However, there are factors that may predispose one to preterm birth. Knowing these risks can assist pregnant mothers and healthcare providers to make early measures in order to minimize the chances of preterm birth. Some of these risks can be successfully handled with appropriate medical advice, good living habits, and frequent prenatal examinations, which will help to make pregnancy safe and baby healthier.
Here are some common risk factors:
Early detection of these risks and obtaining appropriate medical treatment can significantly decrease the risk of preterm birth and help have a healthier pregnancy.
It is extremely crucial to identify the initial symptoms of preterm birth because timely medical assistance can save a lot of lives of both the mother and the child. Some of the symptoms may be mild but they must not be overlooked, particularly when they develop before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Immediately consult the doctor in case you experience any of the following:
In case any of these symptoms are present before the 37 weeks, contact your doctor or visit the closest hospital as quickly as possible. Preterm birth can be avoided with the help of early treatment which safeguards the mother and the child.
Although not every preterm birth is avoidable, there are a few measures you can take in order to reduce the risk of this issue and help to have a healthy pregnancy. Caring about your health and attending checkups are important in ensuring that you and your baby are safe.
The following are some of the viable methods of minimizing your risk:
By following these steps and maintaining regular communication with your healthcare provider, you can greatly improve your chances of having a healthy, full-term pregnancy.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any signs of preterm labor, (repeated contractions, pains in the lower back, stomach cramps, or vaginal leakage). The symptoms can be an indication that labor is premature. Don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse seek medical help immediately. Emergency medical care can assist the doctors to undertake measures to slow down labor, safeguard the health of your baby and increase the likelihood of a healthy birth.
Although you may not be showing signs of it, the prenatal checkups are quite essential. They enable your healthcare specialist to keep a close eye on your pregnancy, identify the possible issues beforehand and offer the appropriate treatment or guidance when necessary. Early treatment and consideration can be significant to you and your baby.
If you’re worried about preterm labor or if you need special care during your pregnancy, make sure experienced gynecologists know that they provide the appropriate advice and treatment. With the help of a well-trained obstetrician, you can have your pregnancy monitored more closely, work on identifying risks sooner and receive the best care in preparation for a safe delivery between you and baby.
Dr Devi Gurung has been working as an obstetrician/gynecologist for more than 35 years in Nepal. She is focused on high risk pregnancies, preterm delivery, infertility and advanced gynecological procedures. She is currently working as a senior consultant at Venus Hospital, Kathmandu treating mothers to be helping them lead towards safer pregnancies and better births.
Dr. Noora Pradhan, MBBS MS is a renowned Gynaecologist that specialises in Laparoscopic Surgery and Obstetric Care. She has served Paropakar Maternity & Women Hospital, Dhulikhel Hospital and now, she works as a consultant in Venus Hospital and Clinic One. She is trained in OB-GYN and ultrasound and is good in treating complex pregnancies, pre-term labor and advanced gynecological surgeries. She has also been engaged in maternal health outreach in rural Nepal.
Dr. Anupama Gurung is a famous IVF specialist and gynecologist with over 10 years of experience in the sphere of reproductive medicine. She is MBBS, MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology and fellowship in IVF, Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. She has experience working in premier hospitals of Nepal and contribution towards society through rural health camps for serving the downtrodden community. Currently working with Venus IVF Center, she assists infertile couples and high risk pregnancy cases getting herself educated by national and international conferences.
Premature birth is a major health issue, which may hit any pregnancy. Early detection, awareness of risk factors, and timely medical care are key to managing and reducing the risks of preterm labor. The guidance and support of qualified medical workers can provide the necessary assistance and support to achieve the health and safety of a baby and a mother.
To receive extensive care and consultation, Venus Hospital, the best hospital in Kathmandu provides various services such as obstetrics, gynecology, fertility services and emergency care on a 24 hours basis. They have a group of qualified physicians including Dr. Devi Gurung, Dr. Noora Pradhan and Dr. Anupama Gurung, who are determined to deliver quality healthcare services to families and women. For more tips on healthy eating during pregnancy, check out this article on Food in Pregnancy
In case you suspect that you have preterm labor or have any concerns with your pregnancy, you must inquire with a doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention may be of great importance.
Premature birth may occur due to a number of reasons, such as multiple pregnancies, infections, chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or problems with the uterus or cervix. Prenatal care can be used to detect and control these risks at an early stage.
Yes, it is true that stress may be high and as a result, some hormones are released, which might cause early labor. Rest, support, and relaxation methods of managing stress can be used to minimize the chances of preterm birth.
A high number of preterm babies develop strong and healthy with good care. Nevertheless, there are those that might experience difficulties in adulthood, including learning, vision, and breathing issues. Frequent checkups and early medical assistance are of great help in long-term health outcomes.
