Preterm labor is defined as giving birth between the 20th and 37th week of pregnancy. Babies born early may not have fully developed organs, such as their lungs, brain, and heart, which puts them at a high risk for various diseases, including respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular or periventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and retinopathy of prematurity.
Major Causes of Preterm Labor
The causes of preterm labor are generally divided into three categories:
Uterine and Placental Abnormalities: Placental abruption, placenta previa, uterine malformations, cervical insufficiency, and polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios.
Infections during Pregnancy: Urinary tract infections, pelvic infections, other bacterial infections, and fever.
Fetal Growth Issues: Congenital fetal diseases, macrosomia, and fetal malformations.
3 Warning Signs of Preterm Labor Every Mother Should Know
If you experience any of the following symptoms before the 37th week of pregnancy, you should visit a hospital immediately to check for preterm labor.
Frequent Uterine Contractions: Regular contractions occurring more than once every 10 minutes, accompanied by a feeling of tightness or swelling in the lower abdomen, pressure in the vagina, or a feeling that the abdomen is dropping. If the symptoms do not improve after one hour of rest, you should suspect preterm labor.
Vaginal Bleeding: Heavy bleeding during pregnancy or continuous light bleeding.
Rupture of Membranes: A large amount of watery fluid leaking from the vagina.
4 Prevention Methods to Stop Preterm Labor
While preterm labor accounts for 5-10% of all births, it is fatal enough to be responsible for 80% of newborn deaths. However, a mother's lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce the risk of preterm labor.
The most important prevention method is to stay away from cigarettes, alcohol, and harmful drugs. Smoking (including secondhand smoke) and drinking alcohol increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight babies, so they must be avoided. Second, maintain a healthy pregnancy lifestyle. It's crucial to maintain an appropriate weight through a balanced diet and manage stress to ensure psychological stability. Third, get regular prenatal checkups to detect risk factors for preterm labor early and receive professional advice. Finally, avoid overwork and strenuous activities. It is advisable to refrain from lifting heavy objects or long-distance travel that can cause fatigue.
Preterm labor can have a serious impact on a baby's lifelong health as well as the entire family. Therefore, mothers should be well aware of the preterm labor signs mentioned above and practice healthy lifestyle habits to ensure their babies are born healthy.
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