Premature birth - Recognize the signals of the body in time

Premature birth - Recognize the signals of the body in time
Causes

miscarriage Premature birth is a condition in which the woman is regular contractions, and the cervix begins to open up to 37 weeks of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman went into premature labor, it does not necessarily mean that her baby will be born prematurely (ie before 37 weeks gestation).

Approximately half of the cases of women who have had symptoms of preterm labor, give birth to normal-term infants. In addition, a quarter of premature births noticeable are planned - the doctor may decide to encourage births by artificial means, or carry out a caesarean section before 37 weeks if the mother or the baby has serious health problems. This may be necessary, for example, when stopping the development of the fetus or severe preeclampsia. In other cases, premature births occur spontaneously. In recent years the number of premature births and babies born prematurely, is constantly increasing.

The preterm delivery are dangerous for the baby

Premature birth can cause serious health problems for the baby, and even his death, especially if labor has begun at a very early period. In general, the greater was the gestational age at delivery, the greater the likelihood that the child will survive and be healthy.

Premature babies often have problems breathing, and increased risk of bleeding in the brain. They may be disrupted nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and other organs, they are more vulnerable to infections, they are not sufficiently digested food and maintain body temperature. Sometimes premature babies Premature babies: special care for many years suffered from various health problems, such as chronic lung disease, visual and hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, developmental delay.

The health status of a premature baby depends on exactly when his mother had premature births.

If he was born between 34-37 weeks of pregnancy, and he does not have any congenital health problems, it may hurt a bit more often children born after 37 weeks, but in most cases it will be much healthier than those born a few weeks earlier it.

Premature birth, beginning before 34 weeks of pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of various complications in children. When possible, so early, doctors are trying to delay childbirth at least a few days, during which the child gets corticosteroids, which accelerate the development of the lungs and increase its chances of survival.

What can cause premature birth

One of the most common causes of premature birth are infections of the genitourinary system. The substances that are produced by bacteria-infectious agents, can weaken the shell membranes, which is why it can explode prematurely. Furthermore, the bacteria can lead to infection and inflammation of the uterus, resulting in sometimes begin prematurity. That is why at the very beginning of pregnant women tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea and other infections, and if the results of the analysis to any of these diseases are positive, treatment is prescribed, which must pass both the expectant mother and her partner.

Women who have previously had premature births, also tested for bacterial vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis - why it needs to be taken seriously? and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment, although experts still no consensus on whether this is a disease with an increased risk of preterm birth.

In addition, the causes of premature births may be placental abruption, an excessive increase in the size of the uterus (eg, in multiple pregnancies or very large volume of amniotic fluid), structural abnormalities in the structure of the uterus or cervix, surgery on the abdominal organs during pregnancy (for the removal of the appendix , big ovarian cysts, etc.).

The following factors increase the risk of preterm birth:

Premature birth in previous pregnancies;
Multiple pregnancies;
Age of pregnant women under 17 years of age or over 35 years old;
The body mass index of women at the time of conception Conception - as the emerging life It was below normal, or she does not gain enough weight during pregnancy;
The woman had vaginal bleeding in the first or second trimester;
In the early stages of pregnancy a woman has moderate to severe anemia;
A pregnant woman smokes, abuses alcohol or taking drugs;
Previous generations have been for the last eighteen months (the risk is especially great if a woman became pregnant within six months after a previous birth);
The woman did not pass prenatal examinations or start surveyed in late pregnancy;
Pregnancy is the result of in vitro fertilization.

Low socioeconomic status is also associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.

In addition, apparently, there is a correlation between high levels of stress (especially if chronic stress), and preterm delivery. According to one theory, a lot of stress leads to the production of hormones that become trigger uterine contractions resulting in labor begins early. This may explain the fact that women who are victims of domestic violence, premature birth happen very often.

Some researchers have suggested that women who work the night shift, too, are at increased risk of preterm birth. Physically demanding work during pregnancy, especially if it takes more than forty hours a week, and more likely to lead to premature delivery than the types of work, takes less time and effort.

Finally, the scientists believe that the likelihood of premature birth to a certain extent due to genetic factors - many mothers and sisters of women who gave birth prematurely, too, gave birth to children up to 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Signs of preterm labor

The following symptoms have appeared before 37 weeks gestation may indicate the start of prematurity:

Unusually heavy vaginal discharge;
Very liquid vaginal discharge;
Vaginal discharge with blood;
Pain in the lower abdomen, four or more uterine contractions per hour (even if they do not cause pain);
High pressure in the pelvic region;
Low back pain (this is especially alarming symptom for those who previously did not suffer from such pain).
When these symptoms should immediately call your doctor.