About this topic
Pregnancy most often lasts 40 weeks. When a baby is born less than 37 weeks into pregnancy, it is called a premature or preterm birth. The baby may be born through the vagina or with a C-section. Your body will respond the same way, even though you have had your baby early. ‚
When a baby is born prematurely, the baby may not be ready to live outside the womb. The organs may not be fully developed. A baby who is born early will need extra care. It may take a few weeks before the baby is allowed to go home. The earlier a baby is born, the more problems a baby may have. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Doctors do not always know the cause of premature labor. Some things may raise your risk. You are at the highest risk if you: ‚
- Have had a baby who was born early before
- Are pregnant with more than one baby at a time
- Have problems with your womb or cervix
Some health conditions may raise your risk for delivering early. Take extra care if you have: ‚
- A serious illness like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems
- An infection, especially if you have a urinary tract infection
- Problems with the placenta or fluid around the baby. There may be an infection here or the fluids may break open too soon.
- Problems with your weight like weighing too much or too little
You may have control over some of the things that raise your chance of having your baby early. You are at a higher risk for having your baby to0 early if you: ‚
- Smoke while you are pregnant
- Use alcohol or illegal drugs
- Are around certain chemicals or pollution
- Are pregnant because of in vitro fertilization
- Are pregnant within 6 months of having your last baby
- Are under age 17 or over age 35
You may not be able to control these things. It is important to know about them. Your risk is higher if you: ‚
- Have been exposed to a drug called DES
- Are having a baby with a birth defect
- Have a stressful event such as the loss of a loved one
- Are in an accident
- Are African-American
- Are from a low socioeconomic status
What are the main signs?
Signs that you may be going into early labor: ‚
- Pain that feels like menstrual cramps
- Lower back pain
- Pressure in the pelvic area
- Fluid leaking from the birth canal
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and listen for the babys heartbeat. You may be put on a monitor to see if you are in labor. The doctor may do a vaginal exam to see if your cervix is getting bigger or dilating. You may need to have an ultrasound. ‚
The doctor may order tests like: ‚
- Lab tests
- A special test to see if the bag of water around your baby has broken
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The doctor will treat this problem based on how close you are to your due date. Your doctor will work to make both you and your baby as healthy as possible. ‚
You may need to be on bedrest. Your doctor may give you extra fluids. Sometimes, your baby will be born early. You may have a vaginal birth or you may need to have a C-section. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
If your baby is born early, it is likely the baby will need extra care in the hospital. The earlier the baby is born, the more care the baby will need. Your baby may need help breathing, keeping warm, eating, and fighting infection. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop your labor
- Help your babys lungs mature faster
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- See your doctor regularly. Get the proper care during pregnancy.
- Keep a healthy weight during pregnancy. Eat a healthy diet rich with vegetables, fruit, protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
- Try to keep your stress level low during pregnancy.
- Light exercise can help keep you healthy while you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor about the best exercises for you.
- Ask your doctor if it is safe to have sex during pregnancy. Some problems will make it unsafe for you to have sex during your pregnancy.
- Call your doctor right away if you think you may have an infection.
Where can I learn more?
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/complicationspremature.htm ‚
March of Dimes ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/pretermlabor_signs.html ‚
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development ‚
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/conditioninfo/Pages/default.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚