Reasons for Premature Births

Pregnant mothers take pride in providing healthy living accommodations for their unborn child over a 9 to 10 month period. However, some babies are not as fortunate to have an entire 9 month stay in mother's womb. Premature labor is a risk factor for baby and mothers-to-be.

Premature labor is considered labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes being born early is unavoidable. However, premature labor births happen because membranes rupture prematurely or maternal or fetal problems. Caucasian women have a 6% chance of having a premature birth, while African American women have a 13% chance.

Overall, most pre-term births can be avoided with the proper care of mother. In this article we will discuss reasons for the premature birth of a baby.

Nutrition is not adequate. Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of having a healthy full-term pregnancy. You want to avoid foods that have no nutritional value and indulge in foods that do. You will want to make sure you are taking prenatal vitamins that are rich in zinc. Zinc deficiencies can cause baby to be born prematurely.

Alcohol or Drug Use. Using alcohol or drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of delivering early. It is very important that you avoid using any intoxicating substance during your entire pregnancy. Even taking prescription medicine such as oxycoton or vicodine during pregnancy can be extremely harmful and increase your risks.

Smoking. Smoking during pregnancy can be detrimental to baby's stay in the womb. While pregnant avoid smoking and quit as soon as possible for the sake of the baby.

Hormonal Imbalance. If your hormones are imbalanced, you have a greater risk of triggering a premature labor. Speak with your doctor about ways to avoid or correct hormonal imbalances during pregnancy.

Stress. The stress of pregnancy added to the stress of daily life can take a serious toll on your body and health. Many cases of premature births are associated with high stress during pregnancy. If you over stress, now is the time to learn relaxation techniques and speak with your doctor about ways you can relieve your stress.

Incompetent Cervix is another cause to premature births. This condition is one in which a woman has a weak cervix which happens to open up prematurely. Some women don't know that their cervix is weak until they have a miscarriage or they are in premature labor. It is best to try to catch this disorder as soon as possible. Doctors can suture the cervix closed starting at about 14 weeks into the pregnancy. Routine examinations by your OBGYN are highly recommended.

Chronic illnesses in mothers can also cause premature labor. If mom is very sick with a chronic disease, baby is more likely to be born early. High blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or heart problems may have to be addressed during the pregnancy. Sometimes mothers are forced to deliver early in order to treat chronic problems.

Multiple babies. Twins and triplets are at higher risk to be born prematurely than single births.

Placenta Previa is also a cause for having a premature birth. Placenta previa means that the there is low-lying placenta near or over the cervix. Many women who have this condition end up on bed rest in order to avoid premature delivery.

Age matters. Girls 17 and under who become pregnant are at greater risk for having a premature infant. Many teen pregnancies are unwanted causing the mother to want to hide the pregnancy to avoid displeasing parents or family members. However, this covering up can be detrimental to baby's health. Many teen mothers don't take the necessary precautions such as nutritional factors and seeing a doctor regularly. Women over 35 also have a higher risk of delivering prematurely.

Low educational or socioeconomic factors play a role in premature births. Women who can not afford proper nutrition or medical care are at greater risks for having premature births. There are programs that help women in these circumstances get the proper nutrition and treatment they need.

I hope this article helped you God willing.

Resources
What to Expect When You are Expecting by Arlene Eisnberg, Heidi E. Murkoff, and Sandee E. Hathaway, B.S.N.