According to a published report by the World Health Organization, there are around 15 million babies born preterm yearly. More than 1 million from that count die shortly after birth, while others suffer life-long effects. What is preterm birth, what causes it and what are the steps that you can take to keep your pregnancy (and baby) safe and healthy? Read on to find out.
Preterm Birth: the Short-term and Long-term Effects
The best way to define Preterm Birth is to differentiate it from the duration of a normal pregnancy. On one hand, a normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. On the other hand, preterm birth refers to when a baby is born too early, or more specifically, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. In learning about the possible effects of preterm birth, it’s important to know that the final weeks of pregnancy are crucial for the baby’s weight gain, and the full development of vital organs such as the brain and lungs. Preterm babies are also at risk for serious health problems. This is why preterm born babies require extra care, attention and a longer stay at the hospital.
Keep in mind that the earlier a baby is born, the higher the chances of health concerns showing up. As soon as they’re born, preterm babies may show the following:
- Breathing problems (due to underdeveloped lungs)
- Low weight and body fat
- Unstable body temperature
- Signs of movement and coordination problems
- Pale or yellow skin (jaundice)
- Difficulties with feeding
Preterm birth may also have long-term challenges and life-threatening conditions. This includes:
- Learning difficulties
- ADHD (Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
- Pneumonia (infection and inflammation of the lungs)
- Brain hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
- Pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding in the lungs)
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Neonatal Sepsis (bacterial blood infection)
- Increased risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes
To help reduce the risk of complications, doctors monitor preterm infants and perform various tests such as chest x-rays, blood tests and blood gas analysis.
The Causes of Preterm Birth
It's important to remember that preterm births are never the mother's fault. While specific causes or events that lead to preterm birth are difficult to identify, certain factors have been studied and observed to increase a pregnant woman’s risk of premature labor.
Health-related conditions that are risk factors for preterm birth include:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
Aside from mommy’s health, pregnancy-related conditions such as the following may also increase the chances of preterm birth:
- Poor diet and nutrition before and during pregnancy
- Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, hazardous drugs or drinking too much alcohol during pregnancy
- A multiple pregnancies
- Certain infections such as UTI (Urinary Tract Infections)
- Abnormality in the uterus
Pregnant women who are younger than 17 and older than 35 are also at a high risk for delivering early.
Can You Prevent Preterm Birth?
Yes, you can prevent premature birth, as well as the variety of negative health effects that come with it. The key is keeping your pregnancy as healthy as possible with the right care and expert assistance. Here’s a quick checklist of steps to ensuring a healthy pregnancy:
- Eat better, healthier food choices before and during pregnancy. Whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables and fruits such as oatmeal, skinless chicken, broccoli, and oranges should be diet staples.
- Drink more than the standard amount of 8 glasses per day. Pregnant women need more water as this helps in the formation of amniotic fluid, extra blood, tissue and others.
- Stay away from stress and the unhealthy habits of smoking, taking unsafe drugs and drinking alcohol.
- Keep active and watch your weight, as this affects you and your baby’s health. On one hand, being underweight during pregnancy may affect your baby’s weight, immunity and overall development. On the other hand, going beyond the recommended weight is associated with delivery complications and weight problems as well.
- Never miss a prenatal care checkup with your doctor. Attending your prenatal care appointments will help you and your doctor monitor your pregnancy and the health of your baby.
- Consider taking supplements, as these are a great way of ensuring you get the nutrients you need. Folic acid, iodine, iron, calcium and omega-3 are not only beneficial for your pregnancy but also for your baby’s development.
Take the Extra Step to Have a Safe and Healthy Pregnancy
The good news is that there are more ways than one to keep your pregnancy health in tiptop condition. Along with proper diet and exercise, ensuring access to the right nutrients would be very beneficial.
For your every day, take Multivitamins + Minerals + DHA + EPA (Obimin Plus) for the proper amount of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA which have been studied to support the healthy development of the fetal brain.
For more information on Multivitamins + Minerals + DHA + EPA (Obimin Plus), along with other preventive measures for preterm birth, proper diet and exercise. Always consult your doctor.
ASC Reference No. U134P100721OS
Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/premature-infant
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pretermbirth.htm
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth
https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/wellness-community/health-information/short-long-term-effects-preterm-birth
https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/long-term-health-effects-of-premature-birth.aspx
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/premature-baby-complications#heart-problems
https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/9789241503433/en/
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/omega-3-fish-oil-and-pregnancy/
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-weight-gain.htmhttps://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/omega-3-fatty-acids-faqs/
