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Premature birth
Premature birth is defined medically as a birth occurring earlier
than 37 weeks. Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks. About 10% of
babies come sooner. A baby born within 37-42 weeks is considered
full term. Prematurely born babies are sometimes called preemies.
Infants born prematurely have an increased risk of death in the
first year of life. They are also at a greater risk for developing
serious health problems such as: cerebral palsy, chronic lung
disease, gastrointestinal problems, mental retardation, vision and
hearing loss.
The causes of approximately half of all preterm births are
unknown. In 2001, about 1 in 8 babies in the U.S (467,000 in total)
were born prematurely. The shorter the term of pregnancy is, the
greater the risks of complications. When conditions are permitted,
doctors will attempt to stop premature labor, so that the pregnancy
can continue to term, thereby increasing the baby’s chances at
survival. However, in most cases there is little that can be done to
prevent preterm labor. After being born, a premature baby will cared
for in an NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). In the NICU babies
are kept in incubators, a bassinet enclosed in plastic with climate
control equipment designed to keep the baby warm and limit their
exposure to germs. In some cases an oxygen-enriched atmosphere may
be used, though this is avoided where possible as it can cause
damaging side effects. They are released from the hospital when they
no longer need the constant hospital care the NICU provides.
Factors
There are many factors that are related to premature births.
However, the nature of the relationship between these factors and
premature births are unclear.
Women who have tried to conceive for more than a year before getting
pregnant are at a higher risk for premature birth. A recent study
done by Dr. Olga Basso of the University of Aarhus in Denmark and
Dr. Donna Baird of the U.S. National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences suggests that women who had difficulty conceiving
were about 40 percent higher risk of preterm birth than those who
had conceived easily.
- Previous pregnancies that were premature, or ended in
miscarriage.
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities.
- Women 18 and under or over 35 are at a higher risk for
premature birth.
- Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy.
- Substance abuse of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
- Infections of the cervix, uterus or urinary tract. Certain
STDs, Beta Strep.
- Chronic disease such as high blood pressure , kidney disease
and diabetes.
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) are at a higher
risk for premature birth.
- Antepartum hemorrhage
- Preeclampsia
Symptoms and indications
The following symptoms may indicate a possible premature birth:
- Regular contraction (in childbirth).
- A watery discharge from the vagina which may indicate
premature rupture of the membranes surrounding the baby.
- Pressure in the pelvis or the sensation that the baby has
"dropped".
- Menstrual cramps or abdominal pain.
- Pain in lower abdomen or back.
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding.
Treatments For Premature Birth
- Anti-contraction medications
- Corticosteroids - help to stimulate the growth of fetal
lungs to produce surfactant
- Possible delivery measures include:
-
Vaginal delivery
-
Episiotomy
-
Forceps
- Cesarian delivery
- Treatment measures for a premature infant:
- Intensive care
- Humidicrib
- Breastfeeding - if possible
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