According to the National Center for Health Statistics , most babies are born full term. To be specific:. Some women experience recurrent preterm deliveries having two or more deliveries before 37 weeks. Just like having a previous preterm baby is a risk factor for having another preterm baby, women with a prior post-term delivery are more likely to have another post-term delivery.
The odds of having a post-term birth increase if you are a first-time mother, having a baby boy, or obese BMI greater than Most of the time, the cause of a premature birth remains unknown. However, women with a history of diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are more likely to experience preterm deliveries.
Other risk factors and causes include:. There are many health risks for preterm babies. Major life-threatening issues, like bleeding in the brain or lungs, patent ductus arteriosus , and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome , can sometimes be successfully treated in the neonatal intensive care unit NICU but often require long-term treatment.
Most of these conditions will require specialized care in a NICU. This is where the healthcare professionals will perform tests, provide treatments , assist breathing, and help feed premature infants.
The care a newborn receives in the NICU will help ensure the best quality of life as possible for your baby. First, practicing kangaroo care, or holding baby directly skin to skin has been shown to reduce rates of mortality, infection, illness, and the length of hospital stay.
It can also help parents and babies bond. Second, receiving human breast milk in the NICU has been found to improve survival rates and dramatically reduce rates of a severe gastrointestinal infection called necrotizing entercolitis compared to babies who receive formula. Moms who give birth to a preterm baby should start pumping breast milk as soon as possible after birth, and pump 8 to 12 times per day.
Donor milk from a milk bank is also an option. Though there are no magical spells to ensure full-term pregnancies, there are a few things you can do on your own to lower your risk of early labor and birth.
Get healthy! Are you at a healthy weight? Are you taking prenatal vitamins? Exercise regularly and try to eliminate any unnecessary sources of stress from your life. If you have any chronic health conditions, get treated and remain consistent with treatments. Follow the rules. Eat healthy and get the proper amount of sleep. Exercise regularly be sure to check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine during pregnancy. Go to every scheduled prenatal appointment, give an honest and thorough health history to your healthcare provider, and follow their advice.
Protect yourself from potential infections and sickness. Seek medical attention for any warning signs of preterm labor, such as contractions, constant low back pain, water breaking, abdominal cramps, and any changes in vaginal discharge. Wait at least 18 months before trying to conceive again. The shorter the time is between pregnancies, the greater the risk for a preterm delivery, according to the March of Dimes.
Talk with your doctor or midwife and stay informed. Learning as much as you can about the procedures and treatments available to you and your baby will help lower anxieties and give you a sense of control. Keep in mind that the options and support for premature babies have improved over the years, and the odds of leaving the hospital with a healthy baby are higher than ever before.
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