There’s a misconception about premature births that leads many to believe that a baby born ahead of the due date will thrive. The belief is rooted in the assumption that babies are better off outside the womb as early as possible.

Contrary to popular belief, premature babies (born before 37 weeks of gestation) may face numerous health challenges and long-term developmental concerns.

Why Do Babies Come Early?

Premature births, also known as preterm births, occur for various reasons. Some of the causes include:.

Preeclampsia: This is a condition that affects some pregnant women. It’s marked by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Infections: Infections such as bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections can trigger premature labor.
Multiple pregnancies: Carrying twins, triplets, or more increases the risk of a preterm birth.
History of preterm labor: Women who have delivered a premature baby in the past are more likely to deliver one in subsequent pregnancies.

Is it Better for the Baby to Be Born Early?

The assumption that a baby born earlier than the due date will thrive is false. Babies born too early are at risk of several health challenges, including:.

Respiratory distress syndrome: Premature babies often have underdeveloped lungs, and this can lead to breathing difficulties.
Jaundice: This is a condition where a baby develops yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. It’s common in preterm babies.
Developmental problems: Premature babies may experience difficulties with learning, behavior, and development.
Cerebral palsy: Babies born too early may suffer from cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects muscle coordination and movement.
Hearing and vision problems: Preterm babies may experience hearing and vision difficulties later in life.

Preventing Premature Births

Preventing a premature birth is preferable to dealing with the challenges that come with it. Some of the steps pregnant women can take to reduce the risk of preterm labor include:.

Prenatal care: Proper prenatal care, which should include regular visits to a healthcare provider, can help detect potential problems early on.
Healthy lifestyle: Pregnant women should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illicit drugs as all these substances can increase the risk of premature labor.
Managing medical conditions: Women with conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should work with their doctors to manage them during pregnancy.

When is it Safe to Deliver a Baby?

Before inducing labor or scheduling a cesarean delivery, doctors consider many factors to determine when it’s safe for a baby to be born.

These factors include the baby’s gestational age, weight, and overall health, as well as the mother’s health and medical history. Babies born between 39 and 40 weeks of gestation have the lowest risk of health challenges.

Taking Care of a Premature Baby

While the challenges premature babies face can be daunting, with proper medical care, they can still thrive.

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) provide specialized medical care to premature babies, and their staff includes neonatologists, pediatricians, and nurses.

The steps parents can take to care for their premature babies include:.

Breastfeeding: Breast milk provides preterm babies with important nutrients and antibodies that can help boost their immune systems.
Following up with medical appointments: Parents should take their preterm babies for regular medical check-ups to ensure they are growing and developing as expected.
Loving and supportive home environment: A loving and supportive home environment can help nurture a premature baby, fostering their physical, mental and emotional growth.

Conclusion

While it’s common to assume that a baby born early will thrive, premature births can come with many health challenges that may impact the baby’s long-term development and well-being.

Preventing premature births through proper prenatal care and lifestyle choices is preferable to managing the difficulties that come with them. Proper medical care and a loving home environment can help preterm babies thrive despite the challenges they face.