In general, most pregnancies last about 40 weeks. So what determines whether a birth is premature? According to the Mayo Clinic, a premature birth is when delivery comes more than three weeks before the due date.
The dangers in premature births lie in the fact that the baby has not had enough time to develop fully in the womb. Of course, there are risks if such is the case. What are the risks and what can be done if you find that you are going into labor too early? Firstly, the Mayo Clinic lists symptoms so that preterm labor can be identified right away.
Early signs may include:
• Contractions that occur more than eight times each hour — you'll feel a tightening sensation in your abdomen, often reminiscent of menstrual cramps
• Low, dull backache
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Diarrhea
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding
• Watery vaginal discharge — this may be amniotic fluid, which surrounds your baby in the uterus
When you start experiencing any of the above, it is best to seek medical help as soon as possible. If the doctors find that you are going into labor too early, more than likely, your doctor will attempt to delay it. The Mayo Clinic indicates that even if the delay is just a few days, this may be just enough time to allow for much needed growth.
No one really knows what causes premature births, but there are clear-cut risk factors such as:
• Having a previous preterm labor or premature birth
• Pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples
• An interval of less than six months between pregnancies
• Conceiving through in vitro fertilization
• Problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta
• Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs
• Poor nutrition
• Some infections, particularly of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract
• Some chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
• Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy
• Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or domestic violence
• Multiple miscarriages or abortions
• Physical injury or trauma
Complications
Preterm labor and premature births can affect the mother and child in different ways. Even though there are medicines now that can increase the rate your baby matures while still in the womb, you as the mother still need to be aware of any drug side effects. The drugs given to the mother at this time will more than likely be used to slow down delivery, which is good. But some medicines can cause anything from blood sugar abnormalities, headaches, and fatigue to fluid buildup in your lungs which inhibits breathing.
In regards to the baby, many survive premature births, even those born as early as 23-26 weeks. But the earlier the baby comes, the higher the risk. On the other hand, the older the preemie is, the lower the risk/complications – now and later on in life. It has been noted that if there are complications, they may include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Episodes of stopped breathing (apnea)
• Bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
• Fluid accumulation in the brain (hydrocephalus)
• Cerebral palsy and other neurological problems
• Vision problems
• Intestinal problems
• Developmental delays
• Learning disabilities
• Hearing problems
Less serious complications may include:
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Decreased number of red blood cells (anemia)
• Low blood pressure
If you have a history of preterm labor or premature births, you will be asked to schedule your appointments more frequently. Your doctor will want to keep a closer eye on you because of the risks involved. So remember to follow appointments and guidelines set out by your medical team. Please be sure to read the follow-up article entitled, Premature Births – Is there a Way to Prevent Them?
Resource: Mayo Clinic
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer and poet. She lives in Tennessee and helps underprivileged families.