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Preterm delivery
What are the causes of premature birth?
Preterm birth refers to delivery between 28 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy. Due to the lighter weight and lower maturity of the fetus at this stage, the survival rate of newborns is often reduced. The causes of preterm birth include the following aspects: First, the presence of vaginal inflammation can easily lead to premature rupture of membranes, which in turn triggers contractions and can lead to preterm labor. Second, in twin or multiple pregnancies, the increased irritability of the uterine wall can easily cause spontaneous contractions, which in turn lead to preterm labor. Third, an excess of amniotic fluid can increase the pressure inside the amniotic cavity, easily stimulating spontaneous uterine contractions or premature rupture of membranes. Additionally, if the cervical canal is congenitally short, or if there has been previous cervical surgery, this can also easily lead to preterm labor.
What is the earliest month that premature birth can occur?
Under normal circumstances, the entire childbirth process for a fetus is divided into three stages: early pregnancy, middle pregnancy, and late pregnancy. Generally, fetal development between 28 to 40 weeks is considered a viable period. During this time, if delivery occurs, the baby's chances of survival are very high. However, normally, a fetus between 37 to 40 weeks is considered full-term, so babies born before 37 weeks are referred to as premature. Premature babies need close monitoring of their developmental status after a normal delivery to avoid potential complications.
Signs of premature birth
Generally, babies born between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation are considered premature. Normally, premature babies have underdeveloped organ systems, which makes them prone to serious abnormalities in various organs after birth. This can lead to conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome or cerebral palsy. Signs of premature labor typically include sudden regular abdominal pain without any other abnormalities, accompanied by clear uterine contractions and a feeling of abdominal heaviness, with a persistent, notable dilation of the cervix.
Preterm labor signs
Premature birth refers to delivery between 28 to 36 weeks plus 6 days of pregnancy. Due to the lower body weight and immature organ development of the fetus, premature birth can lead to decreased survival rates and increased morbidity in newborns. The signs of impending premature birth include the following aspects: First, the occurrence of regular contractions, which are the most common sign of premature birth. If intermittent lower abdominal pain occurs, it should be taken seriously, and fetal heart rate monitoring may be necessary for assessment. Second, the appearance of blood in the vaginal discharge often indicates that the fetal presenting part is descending, which is also a sign of premature birth. Third, a physical examination may reveal shortening of the cervical canal and dilation of the cervix, suggesting the possibility of premature birth. When these conditions occur, they should be taken seriously, and medication may be necessary for treatment. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)
What should I do if a premature baby spits up milk?
For premature babies who experience spitting up, first pay attention to the feeding position. During feeding, make sure to hold the baby up with their head higher than their buttocks, which facilitates the smooth passage of milk through the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, if the baby vomits, first pick the baby up and gently pat their back to help release some of the residual gas in the stomach, which can reduce spitting up and vomiting. Also, during feeding, be mindful not to feed too much at once; feeding small amounts more frequently can also help prevent spitting up.
How to prevent preterm birth
The causes of preterm birth are numerous, and prevention mainly involves addressing these causes. For etiological reasons, proactive treatment of some chronic diseases is necessary. For pregnant women with a history of preterm birth, it is crucial to pay close attention two to three weeks before the previous preterm birth date. They should avoid overexertion, abstain from sexual activity, and rest in bed until the expected due date. It is also important to identify the causes of preterm birth, such as cervical insufficiency. If so, a cerclage surgery can be performed around the 14th week of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman shows signs of labor or preterm birth, she should be given oxygen immediately, and an injection of vitamin K should be administered to prevent intracranial hemorrhage in the newborn.
What are the signs of premature birth?
After 29 weeks of pregnancy, if the baby is born prematurely, it is called preterm birth. When preterm labor occurs, there are some early signs, mainly manifesting as the onset of abdominal pain, which is persistent and gradually worsens. Additionally, due to the contraction of the uterus, the abdomen becomes hard and localized muscle tension occurs, leading to a feeling of swelling. Moreover, when the amniotic fluid ruptures, the pregnant mother will feel a flow of liquid from the vagina and there will be an increase in intestinal activity compared to usual, along with some abnormal vaginal discharge. These are some of the signs of preterm labor.
Causes of Premature Birth
There are many causes of preterm birth, such as cervical loosening during pregnancy, gynecological inflammations, underdeveloped uterus, congenital uterine malformations, and uterine fibroids, as well as pregnancy-related hypertension and diabetes, which can also lead to preterm labor. Additionally, carrying twins can increase uterine tension and potentially cause preterm birth. Other factors include long-distance travel, fatigue, emotional fluctuations, family relocation, abdominal trauma, prolonged standing, high psychological stress, advanced maternal age, and placental abruption during pregnancy, all of which can contribute to the occurrence of preterm birth.
Can premature birth be natural birth?
First, let's discuss the concept of preterm birth, which is defined as births occurring between less than 37 weeks and more than 28 weeks of gestation. There are many reasons for preterm birth, such as genetic factors, premature rupture of membranes, or complications during pregnancy. If the pelvic size is adequate and the child can tolerate delivery, then vaginal delivery is preferred; however, if the fetus is too small or there are complications during pregnancy such as gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, or if the mother's health status is not good, it is recommended to opt for a cesarean section to ensure a timely delivery.
How many weeks early can a premature baby survive?
Preterm birth refers to births that occur after 28 weeks of pregnancy but before 37 weeks. Preterm infants have lower resistance compared to full-term infants and generally require special care to survive. The survival rate varies with the gestational age: at 32 to 33 weeks, the survival rate can reach 95%; at 28 to 31 weeks, it is between 90% and 95%; at 26 weeks, it is around 80%; and at 27 weeks, it is about 90%. After 34 weeks of pregnancy, the survival rate of the baby is very high, almost the same as that of a full-term baby.