Is prematurity prone to jaundice?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on February 26, 2025
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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.

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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 Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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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.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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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.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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What are the symptoms of premature birth?

Premature birth refers to delivery occurring between 28 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy. The symptoms of premature birth primarily include the following aspects: First, regular uterine contractions occur. These contractions can lead to the descent of the fetal head and exert pressure on the cervix, which is necessary for the delivery of the fetus. It generally manifests as pain every three to five minutes, with each episode of pain lasting more than one minute, and both the frequency and intensity of the pain gradually increasing. Second, the appearance of "bloody show" occurs. As the fetus descends, it can cause the rupture of capillaries at the edge of the membranes, leading to bloody show. Third, there is a noticeable feeling of heaviness or pressure. Gynecological examinations can reveal dilation of the cervix and shortening of the cervical canal. When these symptoms appear, an assessment for premature birth should be conducted, and preparations for premature delivery should be made.