Can premature birth be natural delivery?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Whether a vaginal delivery is possible in the case of preterm labor depends on the condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus, including the woman's birth canal, labor strength, the size and position of the fetus, among other factors. Generally, during a medical visit, a doctor will measure the woman's pelvis to roughly determine whether vaginal delivery is feasible. Women who experience preterm labor should go to the hospital for timely medical care and choose a hospital equipped for emergency services. If preterm delivery occurs, the baby's respiratory function may be relatively weak, necessitating the use of special equipment to assist breathing.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does premature birth affect intelligence?

Premature birth generally does not affect a baby's intellectual development, as the brain is mostly well-developed by the time of premature birth, and intelligence is not greatly affected. With appropriate nutrition post-birth, the intelligence of premature babies can generally recover to that of average children. However, if the baby experiences intrauterine hypoxia during premature birth, this can affect the brain cells and may even lead to cerebral palsy. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor the baby's diet and neurological responsiveness if premature birth occurs. If there are concerns, a hospital check-up can be conducted to promptly identify any issues with the child.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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How to switch from preterm formula to regular formula?

Generally, in the early stages of preterm infants, it is still necessary to feed them promptly with preterm formula. Since the gastrointestinal function of preterm infants is relatively weak, they may not be able to digest and absorb some full-term formula, which can easily increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. If the baby's development is currently good, you can switch to ordinary formula. During the transition between two formula brands, there should first be a gradual shift; you can start by mixing the two formulas, using more preterm formula and less ordinary formula. Gradually switch to the new ordinary formula brand, reducing the amount of preterm formula, allowing the baby to adapt gradually.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Is it normal for a premature baby to weigh more than five jin?

If the newborn is currently premature and weighs a bit over five jin (approximately 2.5 kilograms), it is generally considered within the normal range. Typically, if a newborn weighs more than 2500 grams, it is considered a full-term birth weight and there are no abnormalities. Therefore, if the newborn's weight is within the normal range after birth and there are no abnormalities in the development of the organs, it is possible to observe temporarily without the need for an incubator. It is also crucial to closely monitor the various vital signs of the newborn and pay attention to normal feeding and care.

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

What are the signs of premature birth?

Under normal circumstances, during preterm labor, there may first be regular uterine contractions accompanied by continuous cervical dilation. This situation should be considered a possible onset of preterm labor. Generally, the period from after 28 weeks to before 37 weeks of gestation is considered the possible range for preterm labor to occur. Therefore, if there are symptoms like regular abdominal pain, backache, or a feeling of heaviness, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly. When needed, local physical therapy, symptomatic treatment, or administration of medications to sustain the pregnancy can effectively alleviate the symptoms.