Preeclampsia can be deadly for gestating mothers and their babies.
Premature labour or preterm labour is when your labour starts more than three weeks before your due date i.e. before the 37th week of pregnancy. An estimated 15 million babies are born preterm every year, and this number is rising, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Babies born premature can have lifelong or life-threatening health problems later in life. Premature infants are also at risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Preterm birth complications are also a common cause of death among children under 5 years of age, .
Doctors don't always know for sure what causes preterm labour and most preterm births happen spontaneously. But there are certain things that can increase a pregnant woman's chance of early labour. While preterm labour can't always be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce your risk of premature birth.
If you're having regular, painful contractions that feel stronger and last more than 30 seconds, it is likely that you labour has started. Labour is when the uterus regularly tightens, and the cervix becomes soft and thin and starts opening for your baby to be born.
A lot of things can raise a woman's risk for preterm labour such as:
Talk to your doctor if you have any of these risks. Remember taking care of yourself is also the best way to take care of your baby.
Knowing the warning signs of premature labour may help prevent a premature birth by seeking care early. Watch out for the following signs and symptoms that indicate you're having a preterm labour:
If you have any of these symptoms of preterm labour, call your midwife or doctor as soon as possible.
Prenatal care is important to prevent preterm labour. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of preterm labour and premature birth:
Keep blood pressure or diabetes under control.
Don't smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.
Eat a healthy diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, etc.).
Stay active throughout pregnancy to reduce your risk of conditions such as diabetes and pre-eclampsia
Exercise or simply take a walk daily if you've not been advised not to due to specific health problems
Try to maintain a healthy weight throughout the pregnancy
Protect yourself from infections and viruses. Wash your hands frequently, don't eat raw meat, fish, or unpasteurized cheese and use condoms to protect against STDs.
Reduce stress in your life. Pregnant women who are stressed or depressed seem to be at higher risk of giving birth prematurely.
