Every expectant mother wants their baby to arrive on time or at least around the due date. There can be a significant impact on the health of both mother and child if the baby decides to make an early appearance.

With advancements in medical procedures, healthcare providers can minimize risk and ensure both mother and child remain healthy. Though early deliveries are sometimes necessary, they do come with an increased risk of complications that are worth considering.

What is considered an early delivery?

Generally, a healthy pregnancy lasts 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual cycle. Any delivery before 37 weeks is considered an early delivery. This is also known as a preterm birth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preterm birth affects approximately 1 in 10 babies born in the United States.

Some women may go into early labor without any obvious cause; however, some factors have been identified that increase the risk of early delivery.

What increases the risk of early delivery?

Several factors can increase the risk of early delivery. Some potential risks include:.

Previous premature birth

Women who have had a premature birth in the past are more likely to have a premature birth in the future. The risk increases significantly if the previous premature birth occurred before 34 weeks.

Pregnancy with multiples

If a woman is pregnant with multiples, the likelihood of an early delivery increases. Twins or higher-order multiples have a higher risk of preterm birth than single births.

Multifetal pregnancies require careful monitoring and frequent medical appointments to help manage potential risks.

Pregnancy complications

Conditions that may occur during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, can increase the risk of early delivery. These conditions can be managed, but close monitoring is required to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy.

Medical history

Some medical conditions, such as hypertension, can increase the risk of early delivery. Women with a history of such medical conditions should receive excellent prenatal care to monitor and manage potential complications.

Lifestyle factors

Poor maternal nutrition, lack of exercise, smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption can all increase the risk of early delivery.

It’s essential to take good care of yourself during pregnancy to reduce the risks associated with an early delivery.

What are the risks associated with early delivery?

While some early deliveries are unavoidable, they do come with a higher risk of health complications, including:.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

Babies born before 37 weeks are at higher risk of developing RDS, which is a breathing disorder caused by immature lungs. RDS can be severe, requiring significant medical intervention, or it can improve on its own within a few days or weeks.

Jaundice

Babies born before 37 weeks are at higher risk of developing jaundice, a common condition in newborns that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Anemia

Premature babies are at higher risk of developing anemia, a condition where the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the organs and tissues.

Blood-related disorders

Babies born early may be at higher risk of developing bleeding disorders, such as intraventricular hemorrhage.

Infections

Babies born early are at higher risk of infections because they have weaker immune systems and haven’t benefited from the protective antibodies that are transferred from the mother in the final weeks of pregnancy.

Reducing the risk of an early delivery

Though early delivery can occur without warning, there are several things expectant mothers can do to help reduce the risk of early delivery and increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.

Attend all prenatal appointments

Regular prenatal appointments are essential to monitor the health of both mother and baby. During these appointments, your healthcare provider can identify potential risks and take steps to manage them before they turn into a more serious problem.

Take care of your body

Eat a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, get plenty of rest, and avoid negative lifestyle habits. All of these changes can make a difference in both the mother’s and baby’s health during pregnancy.

Know the signs of labor

Pregnant women should familiarize themselves with the signs of labor, an early warning sign that should always be taken seriously. This includes contractions, bleeding, and discharge.

Seek medical attention quickly

If you experience any abnormal symptoms or changes during your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Early detection and treatment of potential complications can minimize the risks of an early delivery.

The bottom line

Early delivery is one of the key factors that increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

There are several ways to reduce the likelihood of early delivery, including regular medical care, lifestyle changes, and early detection and treatment of potential complications. As always, early intervention can make all the difference in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a successful delivery.