Table of Contents
Can premature babies be prevented?
Preterm birth can’t always be prevented. But moms-to-be can help lower their chances of going into labor too soon. Here’s the best advice: See your doctor early and regularly in your pregnancy for prenatal care.
What triggers premature birth?
Certain events can stimulate the onset of premature labour including placental abruption, incompetent cervix, hormonal changes or infection. There are multiple risk factors for premature birth including having a previous premature birth, pregnancy with multiple babies, infection, drug or alcohol use, and age.
Is having premature babies genetic?
“Overall, genetics probably contributes to between 25 percent and 40 percent of all preterm births, and the genes we identified probably represent an even smaller percentage of that, but individually, they might increase — or decrease — a woman’s chances of having a preterm birth by 10 to 20 percent,” said Dr. Muglia.
What’s the best way to prevent premature birth?
Here’s the best advice: See your doctor early and regularly in your pregnancy for prenatal care. Take care of any health problems, like diabetes, high blood pressure, or depression. Don’t smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs. Eat a diet that includes a variety of healthy foods.
What can I do to reduce my risk for preterm labor?
Yes, you may be able to reduce your risk for early labor and birth. Some risk factors are things you can’t change, like having a premature birth in a previous pregnancy. Others are things you can do something about, like quitting smoking. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk for preterm labor and premature birth:
How can progesterone gel help prevent premature birth?
If you have a short cervix, treatment with vaginal progesterone gel may help prevent premature birth. If you had a spontaneous premature birth in the past and were pregnant with just one baby, 17P shots may help prevent another premature birth. Talk to your health care provider to see if progesterone treatment is right for you.
How does premature birth affect a baby’s life?
The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of death or serious disability. In 2018 [PDF–185 KB], preterm birth and low birth weight accounted for about 17% of infant deaths. Babies who survive can have breathing issues, intestinal (digestive) problems, and bleeding in their brains.