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We all know that a pregnancy considered normal (at term) is one that exceeds 37 weeks, when it is born before that period is called a premature birth. There are many reasons for prematurity, however, not all are known yet. Only 30% of cases are able to provide a scientific explanation.
Some are the cases of greater risk of premature birth, as in twin or multiple pregnancies or with a history of uterine and cervical problems .
Major Risks
In addition to other problems that can cause throughout pregnancy that pose risks not only to the mother’s life, but also to the baby’s, such as gestational diabetes , pre-eclampsia , obesity problem and also baby anomalies or health problems such as difficulty respiratory. Some of the reasons proven and pointed out as causing premature birth are:
- Uterine malformation
- Placenta prev
- Uterine infections
- Fetal malformation
- Bag rupture prematurely / bag ruptured
Problems with hypertension, isthmus-cervical insufficiency, pregnancy through in vitro fertilization and placental abruption are also very common causes of premature birth and deserve proper care and follow-up.
Care After Birth
Care must also be taken after delivery, where the baby almost always needs special care due to the immaturity of its organs, such as lungs and kidneys and requires admission to the Neo Natal ICU.
As premature babies are born with a much lower weight than expected, hospitalization is also necessary to monitor weight gain and development. Some maternities work with the kangaroo mother project, which allows premature babies to be breastfed by their mothers or at least receive breast milk through the cup. Weight gain will make all the difference in the response to treatment and make it possible for him to be discharged as quickly as possible.
Some are the cases that require prolonged hospitalization in special cases such as those born in the 6th month and in some cases even before that. Hospitalization in the Neo Natal ICU will perform the same function as the uterus or try to do as much as possible.
Providing a cozy place, with care and providing the right food so that you can finish your development and gain weight even in the incubator. Exams are carried out for follow-up and to check that everything is as expected.
Signs of Premature Childbirth
Due to some complications and problems during pregnancy the body may show different symptoms, some of which may be signs of premature birth. But it is worth noting that the signs of premature birth do not always mean that it will happen , it can only be a threat and that with the help and medical intervention and your care everything will be resolved.
Contractions
If you notice contractions, even if they are slight and almost imperceptible and you have not yet passed 37º, you are advised to look for your doctor to analyze the conditions of your cervix, which may begin to dilate or thin.
A general analysis of the situation will be carried out by the doctor, as well as pregnancy conditions, the baby’s and the woman’s health, which will also point to the best treatment decision or solution to the issue that can often be chosen for the baby’s birth, believing that there is more chances of survival and development outside the womb.
In addition to uterine contractions, strong pressure in the pelvic area can be felt, as well as low back pain that is also part of labor and are signs of premature birth when they occur before completing the 37th week.
Vaginal secretions of a differentiated or gelatinous color (mucous plug), menstrual cramps and diarrhea are also evident signs and the doctor should be sought immediately.
Importance of prenatal care
That is why prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy, because it is through this care that it is possible to predict and detect possible health problems, chronic diseases and even allergic reactions that can cause a premature birth. As well as hereditary and historical family health problems of the parents, which are crucial to trace and investigate possible and future problems.
Thanks to the great advance of medicine in relation to premature babies, the chances of development and survival of babies born ahead of time are great. However, the shorter his intrauterine period, the more likely he is to have health problems.
Premature babies have a high chance of having motor coordination problems, visual and learning difficulties, cerebral palsy and breathing problems.
See Also: Does 37 Week Delivery Have Risks?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
