Anticipating the arrival of a new family member brings immense joy to parents. However, some pregnancies may carry higher risk and result in premature birth. A premature birth is when a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy.

According to WHO, around 15 million babies are born prematurely every year, and the rate is increasing. While not all premature births can be prevented, healthcare providers can take contractual emergency interventions to improve the outcomes for the baby and mother.

What Causes Premature Birth?

Premature birth can occur due to various reasons, such as:.

Multiple pregnancies: Women carrying twins, triplets, or more have higher chances of delivering preterm babies.
Pregnancy complications: Certain conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and placenta previa can lead to premature birth.
Previous premature birth: Women who have already had a premature baby are at higher risk of having another.
Cervical or uterine abnormalities: Certain physical conditions can impact the stability of the uterus or cervix, leading to premature labor.
Infections: Infections like Group B Strep, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections can trigger premature birth.
Stressful life events: Prolonged stress during pregnancy can lead to hormonal changes that may cause premature birth.

Fortifying Against a Premature Birth

There are certain preventive measures that women can take to reduce the chances of a premature birth. A few of them are:.

Seeking early prenatal care: Receiving regular prenatal care from the first trimester can help identify and manage potential risks.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, getting enough exercise, and avoiding smoking or drugs can reduce the chances of premature birth.
Monitoring baby’s activity: Paying attention to baby’s movements and reporting any significant changes to the doctor can help expectant mothers stay on top of any potential issues.
Stress management: Practicing relaxation techniques like prenatal yoga, meditation, or prenatal massage can help keep stress levels in check.
Nicotine replacement therapy: Pregnant women who are trying to quit smoking can consider nicotine replacement therapy, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Contractual Emergency Intervention: What Expectant Mothers Can Expect in Premature Labor?

Despite the preventive measures, some women may go into premature labor. The healthcare provider can take contractual emergency interventions depending on the circumstances. A few of the interventions are:.

Corticosteroids: These medications help mature the baby’s lungs and other vital organs to improve their chances of survival.
Tocolytic drugs: These medications help slow or stop premature labor and give the baby time to grow in the uterus.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be given if an infection is causing premature labor.
Transferring to a specialized medical center: Women with high-risk pregnancies or those having preterm labor can be transferred to a specialized medical center, which has resources and expertise to handle premature babies.
Bed rest: In some cases, hospitalization and bed rest may be recommended to avoid premature labor and ensure that both the baby and mother are safe.

Long-term Implications of Premature Birth

Premature babies may face several short-term and long-term complications due to their underdeveloped organs. Some short-term complications may include respiratory distress, jaundice, sepsis, and cardiac issues.

Long-term complications may involve developmental disabilities, vision and hearing problems, poor immune system function, cerebral palsy, and behavioral issues. However, with proper care and medical attention, many premature babies can overcome these challenges.