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Early birth: Common causes and risk factors

Preterm or premature birth is a significant public health issue worldwide. In this article, we explore the common causes and risk factors associated with early birth by ruthhum
Estimated reading time: 2 min 40 sec
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Preterm birth, also known as premature birth, is when a baby is born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. It is a significant public health issue, affecting one in ten babies worldwide.

While medical advancements have improved outcomes, premature birth remains the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this article, we explore the common causes and risk factors associated with early birth.

Causes of Early Birth

The precise cause of preterm birth is unknown, but several factors can increase the risk of premature birth. Here are some of the common causes:.

Infection

Infection is a leading cause of preterm birth. Mothers with bacterial infections, such as chorioamnionitis, are at risk of premature labor. Additionally, sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis can lead to preterm birth.

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidney. The condition can lead to premature birth to prevent severe maternal or fetal complications.

Multiple Pregnancies

Mothers carrying twins or more are at a higher risk of preterm labor than mothers carrying a single fetus.

Multiple pregnancies can trigger premature labor due to overdistention of the uterus or the onset of labor from one baby’s gestational age, which can cause contractions and preterm labor.

Uterine Conditions

Conditions like fibroids and cervical incompetence can increase the risk of preterm birth. Fibroids can cause the uterus to contract prematurely, while cervical incompetence can cause the cervix to open too soon, leading to premature labor.

Medical Conditions

Expectant mothers with preexisting medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension are at a higher risk of preterm birth.

Related Article Factors that lead to premature birth Factors that lead to premature birth

Additionally, health conditions that affect the fetus, such as congenital anomalies and fetal growth restriction, can also lead to preterm labor.

Risk Factors for Early Birth

Several risk factors can increase the chances of preterm delivery. Some of them are:.

Family History

Mothers who have previously given birth prematurely or have siblings who were born prematurely are at a higher risk of early birth. Genetic factors play a role in premature birth.

Low Socioeconomic Status

Mothers from low-income backgrounds are more likely to give birth prematurely. This could be due to inadequate prenatal care, poor nutrition, and an increased prevalence of stressors such as domestic violence, which can cause premature labor.

Substance Abuse

Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse can increase the risk of preterm labor. Expectant mothers who engage in these activities are advised to stop or seek professional help to reduce the risk of premature birth.

Age

Females who become pregnant under the age of 18 or over the age of 35 are at a higher risk of preterm delivery.

Adolescents are more susceptible to preterm labor due to an underdeveloped reproductive system, while older mothers have an increased risk of medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which are risk factors for premature birth.

Conclusion

Preterm birth poses significant health risks for both mother and baby. Identifying the causes and risk factors associated with premature labor is crucial in reducing the incidence of preterm birth.

Prenatal care, a healthy lifestyle, and an early diagnosis and treatment of underlying medical conditions can help mitigate the risk of premature birth.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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