Premature birth

Premature birth is defined medically as a birth occurring earlier than 37 weeks. Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks. 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, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, gastrointestinal problems, vision and hearing loss. The causes of approximately half of all preterm births are unknown. In 2001, about 1 in 8 (467,000) babies in the U.S 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 in order to keep the baby warm and limit their exposure to germs. They are released from the hospital when they no longer need the constant hospital care the NICU provides.

Table of contents

1 Factors
2 Symptoms and indications
3 See also
4 External link

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.

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.