Can premature birth be natural birth?

Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
Updated on September 24, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
59sec home-news-image

Premature birth is what it means.

Preterm birth refers to giving birth before full-term pregnancy, defined as delivery occurring between 28 and 36 weeks plus 6 days of gestation. Corresponding conditions are miscarriage and full-term delivery: before 28 weeks is termed a miscarriage, while delivery after 37 weeks is termed full-term birth. Because preterm infants already possess certain vital functions, most can survive with appropriate emergency intervention and treatment. However, the risks associated with preterm birth are relatively high and depend on the specific causes of prematurity. Some premature births are due to premature rupture of membranes, while others are medically induced, for example in cases of abruptio placentae or severe preeclampsia. Therefore, it is crucial in clinical practice to provide rational treatment for preterm labor, aiming to extend the duration of pregnancy as much as possible to avoid neonatal death.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
1min 8sec home-news-image

What is the earliest gestational week that a premature baby can survive?

Preterm infants, how many weeks can survive, first let's talk about the concept of preterm birth. The concept of preterm birth is more than 28 weeks but less than 37 weeks, this is called premature birth. However, with the improvement of neonatal resuscitation technology, in China, if it’s after 26 weeks, the vast majority of newborns can also survive. But after survival, the cost is quite high. For instance, if it's in a top-tier hospital, the cost for newborns born between 26 and 28 weeks can be around several hundred thousand yuan. So, even after some medical insurance policy reimbursements, you would still have to spend around tens of thousands of yuan on your own.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
50sec home-news-image

Do frequent Braxton Hicks contractions lead to preterm labor?

In the late stages of pregnancy, there may be occurrences of Braxton Hicks contractions, generally happening at a low frequency of about two to three times per day. Some individuals experience these false contractions primarily at night, which disappear during the day. This is considered normal physiological behavior in the late stages of pregnancy. If there is a frequent occurrence of Braxton Hicks contractions, it may also lead to the dilation of the cervix, causing premature labor. Therefore, if this situation arises and the fetus is not yet full-term, it is recommended to go to the hospital for an examination in a timely manner, and symptomatic treatment to maintain the pregnancy may be necessary.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
53sec home-news-image

Is prematurity prone to jaundice?

Premature infants often exhibit jaundice. This is because during premature birth, the baby's gas distension function is not yet perfect, the liver's detoxification capabilities are relatively weak, and the ability to process bilirubin is poor. Therefore, jaundice easily occurs, and the physiological jaundice in premature infants is more severe compared to full-term infants. Due to the reduced sucking ability and swallowing reflex in premature infants and their underdeveloped intestinal function, most babies cannot be normally breastfed after birth. The increased absorption of bilirubin in the intestines exacerbates the jaundice in premature infants. It is advised for premature infants to initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible and some medications can also be used to promote liver enzyme activity.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
43sec home-news-image

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.