If you’re pregnant, there are things you can do to decrease your risk of preterm birth.
Pregnancy is supposed to last 40 weeks, starting from the first day of your last cycle. Preterm birth is any pregnancy that is delivered prior to 37 weeks. One in every 10 babies are born preterm in the United States, and the number has only been rising.
Preterm birth is the leading cause of illness and death among newborns. It’s a concern for all healthcare professionals that care for pregnant women. Babies born preterm are called preemies, and often have trouble with their eyes, ears, breathing, and/or nervous system. Preemies also have more learning and behavioral problems later in life than non-preterm babies.
What can I do?
Know the signs of preterm labor. If you go into early labor, it can sometimes be prevented or postponed. Each day it is postponed, your baby has a better chance of survival and a lower risk of illness.
Signs of preterm labor include:
• Change in type or amount of vaginal discharge (bloody, watery or mucus)
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
• Constant, low, dull backache
• Persistent abdominal cramping more than six times per hour
• Vaginal bleeding not associated with intercourse or a cervical exam
If you have any of these symptoms, please contact your obstetrician and discuss your concerns.
Who is at risk?
Some are more likely to have preterm labor than others, such as women who:
• Have previously had a preterm delivery
• Are not regularly seeing an obstetrician
• Smoke or use drugs during pregnancy
• Have had vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, especially in more than one trimester
• Are carrying more than one baby
• Have too much fluid around the baby
• Have an abnormal uterus
• Have an infection during pregnancy
Can it be prevented?
The short answer is sometimes. If you have a previous history of preterm birth and are carrying one baby, you are a candidate for a medication that has been shown to reduce your risk of another preterm birt-h. This medication is called 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone or 17P. This medication is injected weekly from 20 weeks to 36 weeks.
Preventing preterm birth is as easy as stopping smoking, eating healthy foods and not skipping meals, getting regular prenatal care and knowing the signs of preterm labor. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have had a previous early birth and ask if there is anything else you could be doing to decrease your risk.