Introduction
Premature delivery also called preterm labor is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation.
There are a lot of causes of preterm labor. Pregnant women have a lot of questions regarding premature labor such as “is 30 weeks pregnant delivery premature?”.
In this article, let’s discuss in detail about premature delivery and how to prevent it.
What is premature delivery?
Premature delivery is when the baby is born before the baby reaches 37 weeks of gestation.
Babies that are born premature are often kept in the NICU for a few days to receive adequate treatment.
Symptoms of premature delivery
There are a quite a few symptoms and signs of preterm delivery like:
- Persistent ache in the lower back
- Pressure in the pelvis region
- Vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea
- Period like abdominal cramps
- Bleeding from the vagina
It is important to contact a healthcare provider when any of these symptoms occur.
Causes of premature delivery
The major causes of premature delivery are:
Other risks for labor starting too early include:
- History of premature labor
- Usage of smoking / alcohol / drugs
- Carrying multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Health conditions like gestational diabetes, High blood pressure, etc.)
- Poor lifestyle and food choices
- Grade 2 or grade 3 obesity
Considering these factors and others such as a dilated cervix, sometimes doctors prefer to induce preterm labor for the safety of the baby and the mother.
Risk factors for the premature birth baby
Premature babies are prone to a lot of risks and health complications such as:
- Low birth weight
- Breathing issues as the lungs aren’t fully developed
- Feeding difficulties
- Low body temperature after birth
- Underdeveloped organs like lungs, kidneys.
- Growth restriction
- Learning disabilities when they grow older
Risk factors associated with premature delivery for the mother
After a premature delivery, there are few complications the mother is prone to like:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Poor sleep schedule
Treatment for premature delivery
Premature babies require proper care at the NICU for at least a few weeks post delivery before being discharged.
Since most premature babies are born with low birth weight and feeding difficulties, the healthcare professionals discharge them only after they reach a certain weight and when they learn to breastfeed properly.
Does false labor lead to premature delivery?
False labor or braxton hicks are pretty common among pregnant women and they do not induce premature labor.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional to understand the difference between braxton hicks and real labor pain.
How can you prevent premature delivery?
Although not all premature deliveries can be prevented, there are a few things that a pregnant mother can do to potentially reduce the risk factors of premature delivery.
- Consulting a gynecologist if one has a history of premature deliveries.
- Taking proper medications and supplements prescribed by the doctor.
- Maintaining a proper diet and lifestyle.
- Maintaining ideal body weight.
- Checking thyroid, sugar and blood pressure levels before planning pregnancy.
When to consult your doctor?
It is important to consult with an OBGYN the minute you feel the symptoms and signs of premature labor.
Apart from this, it is crucial to not miss any prenatal screening and checkup to ensure the health and wellbeing of the baby.
Conclusion
Although preterm labor can happen to anyone, there are few things one can do to prevent it from happening.
This includes not missing out on prenatal checkups, undergoing routine screening and having a proper lifestyle.
There are a lot of doubts and misconceptions about preterm labor. One of the most frequently asked questions is “what are the premature delivery weeks” and the short answer is: Any time before the completion of 37 weeks of gestation.
It is extremely important to consult with an OBGYN if for more doubts and questions about preterm labor.
Book your appointments with the best gynecologist in Chennai Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact +91 7338771733 / +91 7904513421.
Chennai Women’s Clinic is now Jammi Scans
FAQ:
1. What happens to the mother after premature birth?
After a premature birth, the mother goes through a lot of physical and emotional changes. Some women even go into depression after premature delivery.
It is important to seek help from friends , family and doctors to help cope with this situation.
2. Is premature delivery safe?
Although premature delivery comes with a lot of complications for the baby, the survival rate has significantly increased with the advancement in medicine and technology.
But, it is important to take precautions to prevent premature deliveries as much as possible.
3. Does a 35-week baby need NICU?
Yes, although a fetus delivered at 35 weeks is mature enough, they do need NICU treatment depending upon the baby’s health and weight.
4. Is 8 months a premature baby?
Yes, 8 months or 32 weeks is still considered preterm delivery. Anything below 37 weeks of gestation comes under preterm delivery.
5. Do premature babies grow up normal?
Yes, most premature babies grow up normally. But babies with certain health complications might need lifelong treatment in order to lead a normal life.
Remember, prenatal care, open communication with healthcare providers, and a supportive network are essential for managing and understanding premature delivery.
Each case is unique, so seeking professional guidance ensures the best possible outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
