.webp "Premature Birth: Causes & Care"){kind=icon}
Premature Birth
Premature Birth
A premature birth is one that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy is completed. Babies born prematurely may have underdeveloped organs, particularly the brain and lungs, and require specialised medical treatment. Factors contributing to premature birth include maternal infections, multiple births, chronic health problems, and complications during pregnancy. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive management for premature birth through advanced neonatal services.
Our Locations
-
Old Airport Road - Bengaluru
-
.webp)
Mysuru
-
Mangaluru
-
Dwarka - Delhi NCR
-
Patiala
-
Jaipur
-
Vijayawada
-
Salem
-
Salt Lake - Kolkata
-
Baner - Pune
-
Bhubaneswar
-
Siliguri
-
Ranchi
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Get in touch with our representatives for help!
Request a CallbackSymptoms of Premature Birth
Premature birth symptoms may include regular uterine contractions, lower abdominal cramping, back pain, and pelvic pressure. Some women may experience changes in vaginal discharge or fluid leakage before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Early recognition allows timely medical intervention.
How We Diagnose Premature Birth
The first diagnostic step involves a clinical assessment of maternal symptoms and an obstetric examination. This includes the evaluation of contractions, a cervical examination, and an ultrasound assessment of cervical length and foetal status. Additional tests, such as foetal fibronectin, may be suggested to determine the risk of preterm delivery and further treatment.
Treatment Options
Premature birth treatment aims to delay delivery if possible and also improve neonatal outcomes. Management may include medications to reduce uterine contractions, corticosteroids to enhance foetal lung maturity, and hospital-based monitoring for both the mother and the baby.
What to Expect
At Manipal Hospitals, women who are at risk of premature birth undergo careful evaluation to determine the cause and severity of preterm labour. The clinical approach focuses on delaying delivery where possible while minimising risks for both the mother and the baby.
Initial management includes monitoring uterine activity, foetal heart rate, and maternal health status. Doctors may recommend hospital admission for closer observation, especially if contractions are frequent and associated with cervical changes.
Medications may be administered to delay labour and allow time for foetal development. If required, corticosteroids are prescribed to promote lung maturity in the baby and reduce the risk of respiratory complications after birth. In certain cases, magnesium sulphate may be given for foetal neuroprotection.
A multidisciplinary team provides immediate neonatal care if delivery cannot be postponed. Preterm infants may require support in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for breathing, feeding, and temperature regulation. Ongoing follow-up visits ensure monitoring of both maternal recovery and the baby’s development, improving long-term health outcomes.
Consult our Experts
FAQs
-
What are the common causes of premature birth?
Premature birth causes include infections, multiple pregnancies, high blood pressure, diabetes, and uterine abnormalities. Complications such as placental problems may also result in premature birth. Lifestyle factors like smoking and poor prenatal care may increase the risk.
-
Who is at higher risk of premature birth?
Women who have previously delivered prematurely, had multiple pregnancies, or have chronic illnesses or infections may be at increased risk. Poor nutrition, stress, and inadequate prenatal care may contribute to premature delivery.
-
What complications can occur in premature babies?
Complications in premature babies include breathing difficulties, feeding problems, infections, temperature instability, and delayed development. The severity of these complications depends on how early the baby is born and the level of medical support.
-
When should someone seek medical attention during pregnancy?
Medical evaluation is recommended if symptoms such as regular contractions, fluid leakage, vaginal bleeding, or pelvic pressure occur before 37 weeks. Early evaluation may help to prevent complications and improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
-
What is the long-term outlook for premature babies?
With proper medical care and follow-up, many premature infants grow and develop normally. Depending on the degree of prematurity, some may require long-term monitoring for developmental, respiratory, or neurological issues.
You’re on Our Indian Website
Visit the Global site for International patient services
'Click' to chat with us
