When a pregnant woman experiences labor before her pregnancy reaches 37 weeks, that is known as preterm labor. This is a severe worry since underdeveloped organs, especially the brain and lungs, can cause health issues for prematurely born infants. A history of premature birth, repeated pregnancies, infections, specific medical disorders, and lifestyle variables, including drug or smoking usage, are only a few of the many risk factors for preterm labor.

Abdominal cramps, pelvic pressure, frequent contractions, vaginal bleeding or spotting, and variations in vaginal discharge are a few of the symptoms. Additionally, in order to avoid an early birth and guarantee the best possible outcome for both mother and child, it is imperative that you seek medical assistance as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.

There are so many risk factors include a history of premature birth, repeated pregnancies, infections, medical disorders, and lifestyle factors like drug or smoking use.(Image Credit:Canva)

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Krishnaveni Nayini, who is a senior consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, talked about what preterm labor is and what its causes, symptoms, and risk factors are.

As per what Dr. Krishnaveni said, some babies arrive earlier than expected. If your baby’s born before 37 weeks, they’re said to be premature. Premature babies are likely to be small and may have health issues. The earlier a baby’s born, the more health issues they’re likely to have.

Why Are Babies Born Early?

It is not always clear why a baby is born early, but some reasons are:

  1. There’s a preterm rupture of membranes (this is the most common cause).
  2. You get an infection, such as a urine infection or diarrhea and vomiting.
  3. You’re having more than one baby.
  4. You've got a weakness in your cervix.
  5. You've got a health condition such as pre-eclampsia.

You Can Also Give Birth To The Baby If These Are The Reasons:

  1. You smoke and are overweight.
  2. Eat an unhealthy diet.
  3. About 7 in 100 babies are born before 37 weeks.
  4. The number of babies being born early has stayed roughly the same for the last 10 years.

What If You Had Twins And Multiples?

Most Twins And Triplets Are Born Before 38 Weeks, And Many Earlier Than This. When You’re Having Multiple Babies, Your:

  1. The womb's more stretched, and that can cause contractions to start.
  2. Waters are more likely to break early too.
  3. Twin and multiple pregnancies tend to be a bit more complicated for mom and babies, so sometimes an early delivery’s needed to prevent serious health issues. You’ll be monitored closely throughout your pregnancy.
  4. More About Twins, Triplets, And Multiple Births If Your Baby Arrives Early Or Like If Your Baby’s Born Before 37 weeks
  5. You may both be cared for in the maternity ward for a few days.
  6. Your baby may need the specialist care of a neonatal unit.
  7. Some treatments are only available in certain neonatal units. More about specialist care for babies.

What Happens If Your Baby Is Born Before 27 Weeks?

  1. Extremely premature babies born before 27 weeks will need to be born in a hospital that has a neonatal intensive care unit.
  2. This may mean you need to be moved to another hospital for the birth, or soon after birth, by a team of experts specially trained to do this.

Some of the symptoms include abdominal cramps, pelvic pressure, frequent contractions, vaginal bleeding, and variations in vaginal discharge.(Image Credit:Canva)

What Happens If Your Baby Is Born After 27 Weeks?

  1. If your baby is over 27 weeks old, doctors will advise on the best place to give birth, depending on the level of specialist care your baby’s likely to need.
  2. If your baby’s born between 34 and 37 weeks, they could have the same issues as less mature babies, even though they’re a good weight and look like a baby who’s full term.

What Health Issues Happen To Premature Babies?

  1. The effects of being born early can last just a few days, until your baby reaches their due date, or can carry on affecting their development throughout childhood. Every baby’s different.
  2. All babies born early need time and extra help to cope with the change from life in the womb to being out in the world.

What Are The Complications Babies Can Have?

  1. Starting to breathe when they’re born.
  2. Keeping warm.
  3. Keeping breathing regular and keeping blood oxygen levels normal.
  4. Keeping a normal blood sugar level.
  5. Getting rid of bilirubin from their body, which causes jaundice.
  6. Fighting infection.