Premature Birth: Causes, Complications & Prevention!

Did you know? Premature birth complications are the leading cause of death in babies under the age of 5! In 2020, around 13.4 million babies were born early worldwide. And India alone accounted for over 20% of these births.

Apart from increased mortality, preterm birth also puts the baby at risk of other health complications. So, it’s really important to understand what causes a baby to be born preterm and what you can do to prevent it. 

Let’s first understand what a premature birth is.

Premature Birth: Explained

The birth of a baby at or before the 37th week is called premature birth. An actual full-term pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks. And being born earlier puts the premature baby or the preemie at health risks and even long-term developmental problems. That’s because some of the organs such as the lungs and brain are still developing during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

While this does sound scary, recent advancements in medical technology have now enabled such babies to lead a normal life and avoid many of these preterm complications.

Understanding The Different Types Of Premature Birth

Depending on how early the baby is born, a premature birth is further categorised into several types. These are:

1. Late Preterm
   These babies are born between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Most preemies are born late preterm.
2. Moderately Preterm
   They are the ones born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.
3. Very Preterm
   Very preterm babies are born between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
4. Extremely Preterm
   Such babies are born before 28 weeks of pregnancy. According to the WHO, more than 90% of extremely preterm babies who are born in underdeveloped countries die shortly after birth.

How Common Is Premature Birth?

Globally each year, over 13 million babies are born prematurely. And as of 2020, India recorded the highest incidence of premature birth. In developed nations such as the US, the tally shows that about 1 out of every 10 babies are born preterm.

At What Week Is Preterm Birth Considered Safe?

A baby is born full-term after 40 weeks of gestation. But any live birth after reaching the 37th-week mark is considered safe. Moreover, the earlier a baby is born during pregnancy, the higher their risk of complications. However, this does not guarantee that a baby born at 39 weeks will not have any health risks.

6 Most Common Causes Of Premature Birth

The most common causes of preterm birth are:

1. Health Conditions

Diabetes, heart diseases and other long-term health issues can increase the probability of a preterm birth.

2. Preeclampsia

It’s a serious pregnancy complication where women develop high blood pressure and high protein in urine. Preeclampsia is a significant risk factor for preterm birth.

3. Multiple Pregnancies

Women carrying twins or triplets have a higher risk of giving birth before full-term pregnancy.

4. Vaginal Infections

Bleeding in the vaginal canal or an infection such as Bacterial Vaginosis puts women at an increased risk of preterm delivery.

5. Problems With Placenta, Vagina Or Cervix

Certain placental conditions such as placental abruption (placenta detaches from the uterus) or placenta previa (placenta covers the cervix) can also lead to preterm delivery. Additionally, problems in your uterus or cervix can also cause premature birth.

6. Induced Labour

Sometimes, the doctors intentionally induce labour before time. This is usually done when the continuation of the pregnancy would pose greater risks to the mother and her baby.

What Are Signs Of A Premature Baby?

The commonly observable signs in a premature baby are:

• Low birth weight
• Difficulty breathing
• Low body temperature
• Body covered with fine hair
• Difficulty in feeding

Risk Factors For Premature Birth

The following factors put you at an increased risk of giving birth before term:

• Black or Hispanic (Spanish speaking) descent.
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets or more).
• Age (less than 17 or over 35).
• Family or personal history of preterm births.
• Substance use during pregnancy.
• Lower than normal weight before pregnancy

Health Complications In Premature Babies

Preemies are at an increased risk of certain health complications such as:

• Low Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count
• Breathing difficulties
• Difficulty regulating body temperature
• Metabolic issues
• Poor immune function
• Underdeveloped lungs
• Bleeding in their brains
• Newborn jaundice (high liver enzymes)
• Inflammation of the intestines
• Blood infection
• Abnormal blood flow in their hearts
• Eye defects

Maternal Health Risks Of Premature Birth

Pregnant women who give premature births have a higher risk of developing certain complications such as:

• Anxiety
• Postpartum depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Difficulty bonding with their baby
• Higher probability of C-section delivery
• Long-term health problems (diabetes or epilepsy)
• Pregnancy-related complications (hypertension or placental problems)

Do Premature Babies Need Special Care?

A premature baby is at a higher risk of developing health complications. So the doctors sometimes keep them under observation after being born. Preemies are usually kept in a NICU for the first few days (even weeks or months) after birth, following which they are shifted to an intermediate care nursery.

How Are Premature Babies Treated?

Premature babies are kept in special care units to monitor and assist them with specific bodily functions such as feeding, breathing, gaining weight and maintaining their own body temperatures.

Does Preterm Labour Always Lead To Preterm Birth?

Not necessarily. The preterm labour sometimes stops on its own or by medical treatments. And the mothers go on to give full-term births.

Can You Prevent Preterm Birth?

A good diet and healthy lifestyle can help minimise the risks of preterm birth. Additionally, you should:

• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, or other substance use during pregnancy.
• Start prompt prenatal care.
• Manage health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure with the help of your doctor.
• Reduce stress
• Wait a minimum of 18 months between pregnancies.

Can Premature Babies Lead A Normal Life?

The more preterm the baby is born, the higher the risk of developing certain complications later in life. But it's not unusual for a preterm baby to grow up and lead a normal life especially if they are born after 34 weeks.

Is Being Born Premature A Disability?

No. It’s just that the premature baby is at a higher risk of developing health issues later in life. But the latest medical technology has helped minimise and manage these health risks up to a great extent.

Conclusion

A premature baby is at a higher risk of developing health complications. That’s because most of their organs don’t fully develop by the time they are born. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent premature birth, expectant mothers must follow a healthy lifestyle in order to minimise risks. 

As a mom-to-be, it's your responsibility to do everything in your power to make sure that your baby is born healthy and leads a wholesome life. This is why it’s also important to consider cord blood banking—one simple way to make sure that your little one is safe against the impact of 80+ diseases in future. And not just this—it also provides a safety net to the entire family! Now isn’t that something worth considering? 

If you’re curious to learn more about how cord blood banking can safeguard your family, you can schedule a free presentation with a LifeCell expert today. Just call 18002665533!