A typical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks, with babies born before the 37th week considered premature.

Premature births come with higher risks of developmental problems, and the earlier a baby is born, the greater the likelihood of health complications. In many cases, premature babies face a higher risk of not surviving.

Causes of Premature Birth

Several factors contribute to premature birth, including:

Cervical Insufficiency

Under normal circumstances, the cervix stays closed throughout pregnancy. However, in some cases, the cervix may thin and open prematurely, leading to what is known as cervical insufficiency or an incompetent cervix.

This condition can result in premature birth or miscarriage.

Twin Pregnancy

Pregnancies involving twins have a higher risk of premature birth. The increased pressure on the uterus and placenta from carrying more than one baby raises the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and infections.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition where a pregnant woman's blood pressure rises sharply, posing risks to organs like the kidneys, liver, and brain. Preeclampsia typically occurs in the second or third trimester. In addition to causing severe complications, it can lead to premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, resulting in bleeding and premature birth.

Placental Issues

The placenta plays a vital role in connecting the mother and fetus via the umbilical cord, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and essential substances to the developing baby. Several placental issues can disrupt blood flow to the fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth and other complications. These include:

• Placenta previa: A condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix.

• Placental abruption: Occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before the baby is born.

• Placental insufficiency: When blood flow to the placenta is disrupted, preventing the fetus from receiving the necessary nutrients and oxygen.

Maternal Health Conditions During Pregnancy

Maternal health issues such as diabetes, preeclampsia, and infections increase the likelihood of premature birth. Diabetes can lead to a larger fetus, raising the risk of early labor.

Preeclampsia can cause fetal growth restriction, which also increases the chances of premature delivery. Infections such as urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, and uterine infections also contribute to the risk of premature birth.

History of Previous Premature Birth

Women who have had a premature birth in a previous pregnancy are at a higher risk of experiencing premature labor again in subsequent pregnancies.

Factors that contributed to premature birth in previous pregnancies, such as placental problems, preeclampsia, infections, or certain environmental factors, may recur and increase the risk of another premature birth.

How to Prevent Premature Birth

Adopting a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of preterm birth. Here are some recommended steps to help prevent premature birth:

• Quit smoking or avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

• Avoid alcohol consumption while planning for pregnancy and during pregnancy.

• Avoid illegal drug use.

• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet rich in iron and folic acid.

• Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

• Manage health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure effectively.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Manage stress through activities like meditation, yoga, and achieving a work-life balance.

• Ensure good communication with your partner for emotional support.

Regular prenatal checkups are crucial during pregnancy to monitor the health of both mother and baby. For any concerns or to consult about your pregnancy, you can also use the Ai Care app, which is available for download on your mobile phone.

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