Premature birth is defined medically as a birth occurring earlier than 37 weeks. Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks. About ten percent of babies come sooner. A baby born within 37-42 weeks is considered full term. Prematurely born babies are sometimes called preemies. Infants born prematurely have an increased risk of death in the first year of life. They are also at a greater risk for developing serious health problems such as: cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, gastrointestinal problems, mental retardation, vision and hearing loss.

The causes of approximately half of all preterm births are unknown. In 2001, about 1 in 8 babies in the U.S (467,000 in total) were born prematurely. The shorter the term of pregnancy is, the greater the risks of complications. When conditions are permitted, doctors will attempt to stop premature labor, so that the pregnancy can continue to term, thereby increasing the baby’s chances at survival. However, in most cases there is little that can be done to prevent preterm labor. After being born, a premature baby will cared for in an NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). In the NICU babies are kept in incubators, a bassinet enclosed in plastic with climate control equipment designed to keep the baby warm and limit their exposure to germs. In some cases an oxygen-enriched atmosphere may be used, though this is avoided where possible as it can cause damaging side effects. They are released from the hospital when they no longer need the constant hospital care the NICU provides.

Contents

1 Factors 2 Symptoms and indications 3 Treatments For Premature Birth 4 See also 5 External links 6 References

Factors

There are many factors that are related to premature births. However, the nature of the relationship between these factors and premature births are unclear.

• Women who have tried to conceive for more than a year before getting pregnant are at a higher risk for premature birth. A recent study done by Dr. Olga Basso of the University of Aarhus in Denmark and Dr. Donna Baird of the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences suggests that women who had difficulty conceiving were about 40 percent higher risk of preterm birth than those who had conceived easily.
• Previous pregnancies that were premature, or ended in miscarriage.
• Uterine or cervical abnormalities.
• Women 18 and under or over 35 are at a higher risk for premature birth.
• Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy.
• Substance abuse of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
• Infections of the cervix, uterus or urinary tract. Certain STDs, Beta Strep.
• Chronic disease such as high blood pressure , kidney disease and diabetes.
• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) are at a higher risk for premature birth.

• Antepartum hemorrhage
• Pre-eclampsia

Symptoms and indications

The following symptoms may indicate a possible premature birth:

• 4 or more uterine contractions in one hour, before 37 weeks' gestation.
• A watery discharge from the vagina which may indicate premature rupture of the membranes surrounding the baby.
• Pressure in the pelvis or the sensation that the baby has "dropped".
• Menstrual cramps or abdominal pain.
• Pain or rhythmic tightening in lower abdomen or back.
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding.

Treatments For Premature Birth

• Anti-contraction medications (tocolytics), such as ritodrine, fenoterol, nifedipine and the new atosiban
• Corticosteroids - help to stimulate the growth of fetal lungs to produce surfactant
• Possible delivery measures include:
  • Vaginal delivery
  • Episiotomy
  • Forceps
  • Cesarian delivery
• Treatment measures for a premature infant:
  • Intensive care
  • Humidicrib
  • Breastfeeding - if possible

See also

• Childbirth
• Pregnancy

External links

• CNN Article on Premature Birth (http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00137.html)
• CBS News | Solving Puzzle Of Premature Birth | October 30, 2003 10:05:27 (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/10/30/health/main580902.shtml)

References

• Prematurity (http://www2.state.id.us/dhw/ecic/PPC/prematurityMOD.htm)
• "As your baby grows From Conception to Birth" Published by American Baby

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