Preterm Birth: Causes, Risks, and Prevention

What is Preterm Birth?

Preterm birth is the birth of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation. Babies born preterm are at an increased risk of health problems, including respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability.

Causes of Preterm Birth

The exact cause of preterm birth is often unknown, but several factors are known to increase the risk, including:

• Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
• Multiple births
• Uterine abnormalities
• Cervical insufficiency
• Placental abruption
• Maternal infection
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Drug use
• Stress

Risks of Preterm Birth

Preterm babies are at an increased risk of health problems, including:

• Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
• Cerebral palsy
• Intellectual disability
• Vision and hearing problems
• Feeding difficulties
• Growth retardation

Preventing Preterm Birth

There is no sure way to prevent preterm birth, but there are several things women can do to reduce their risk, including:

• Getting regular prenatal care
• Taking a prenatal vitamin
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs
• Managing stress

Conclusion

Preterm birth is a serious problem that can have lifelong consequences for the baby. By understanding the causes and risk factors of preterm birth, women can take steps to reduce their risk and improve the chances of having a healthy baby.

If you are pregnant and concerned about preterm birth, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and develop a plan to reduce it.