Preterm labor is one that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy, when a pregnancy is considered to have reached term. Most preterm births occur spontaneously when regular uterine contractions cause the cervix to open early.
According to the WHO, preterm labor before 37 weeks of gestation occurs for a number of reasons, but it is not always possible to identify the cause.
Among the most frequent we find multiple pregnancies, infections and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as there may also be a genetic influence. But there is not always an associated cause, and many women who have delivered preterm have no known risk factors.
Causes of premature births
Maternal conditions:
There are certain situations that increase the risk that the pregnancy will not reach term, such as:
- Preeclampsia: is a pregnancy disorder that develops in the second half of pregnancy characterized by an increase in blood pressure.
- Mother’s illnesses: kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, or infection.
- Consumption of tobacco or other substances.
- Multiple Pregnancy: Most twin pregnancies result in preterm labor.
- Lack of prenatal care.
- Placenta complications such as placenta previa or placental abruption.
- Uterine malformations such as the septum or bicornuate uterus, or fibroids that deform the endometrial cavity.
- Cervical insufficiency: a weakened cervix that begins to dilate prematurely.
- Poor nutrition before or during pregnancy.
- Have had a threatened preterm labor or a previous preterm delivery.
- Little time difference (less than six months) between pregnancies.
- The mother’s age: being under 18 or over 40 during pregnancy.
- Genetic factors: Women who have a mother, sister, or half sister (from the same mother) who have delivered prematurely are 60 percent more likely to have a baby prematurely.
Environmental conditions and other factors:
- Assisted reproductive techniques: they are related to an increased risk of multiple births.
- Stress or depression slightly increases the risk of prematurity.
- Pollution, noise and heat waves.
How to prevent the risk of preterm birth
- Go to all medical appointments in your pregnancy.
- Give up tobacco, alcohol and any other toxic substance.
- Take care of your diet: maintain adequate nutrition.
- Be very careful with medications in pregnancy.
- Follow healthy lifestyle habits before and during pregnancy (exercise, rest, take care of hygiene, prevent stress, etc.)
- Identify the signs of preterm labor: regular contractions every 15 minutes or less, heavy vaginal bleeding or minor bleeding accompanied by pain or any other symptoms, leakage of amniotic fluid, expulsion of the mucous plug.
In Babies and more | They create a device that helps prevent premature births
