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Could a seemingly minor infection or high stress during pregnancy cause your baby to be born too soon? Could this affect your baby’s growth and development?
The journey of pregnancy is ideally 40 weeks, but for millions of families each year, that journey is cut short. Premature birth takes place before 37th weeks of gestation. Many organs and body systems may not be fully developed, which makes the baby prone to various health challenges. It can be an emotional rollercoaster for both the baby and the parents.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 13.4 million babies were born preterm in 2020 — more than 1 in 10 births worldwide. In 2019, complications from preterm birth led to the deaths of nearly 900,000 children, making it the most common cause of death among children under five years old.1 These numbers highlight a public health issue that not only affects survival but also affects the long-term development and quality of life of millions of children. Through this blog, we aim to create awareness of premature birth and identify the risk factors and causes of premature birth, explore the medical complications faced by preterm infants, and offer care recommendations and preventive methods.
Synopsis
Understanding Premature Birth
A baby is considered preterm if born before 37 weeks of gestation. Based on the gestational age, it is classified as:
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Extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks)
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Very preterm ( between 28 to 32 weeks)
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Late preterm ( between 32 to 37 weeks)
The majority of preterm births occur during the late preterm period.
Signs of a Premature Baby
Babies born prematurely may not show any obvious signs. However, some of the most prevalent indicators are:
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A smaller overall body size, with the head appearing larger
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Difficulty in maintaining body temperature
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Challenges with feeding
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The body is covered with fine hairs (lanugo)
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Low birth weight and shorter body length than a full-term baby
Causes of Premature Birth
The exact cause of preterm birth is still unclear. But several factors raise the risk and can become the cause of premature birth:
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Previous Preterm Birth: Women who have had previous preterm births in the past are at a higher risk of having another due to an underlying health condition or structural issues in the uterus.
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Uterine or Placental Anomalies: Abnormalities in the shape or structure of the uterus or issues with the placenta can interfere with a full-term pregnancy.
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Multiple Pregnancies: Mostly seen in cases of twins and triplets, where the physical demands on the uterus increase, leading to earlier labour and delivery.
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Chronic Health Conditions: Chronic illnesses like high blood pressure or diabetes can affect how the placenta functions and impact foetal development. Infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also trigger inflammation and early labour.
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High Stress and Poor Nutrition: Elevated stress levels can disrupt hormone balance and reduce blood flow to the uterus. Lack of nutrition may prevent the baby from growing properly and can trigger premature birth.
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Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits: Certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking, drinking alcohol or substance abuse during pregnancy or having an unhealthy weight before conception, stressful events such as death of a loved one or domestic abuse, as well as becoming pregnant before age 17 or after 35, can increase the chances of preterm birth.
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Environmental Factors: Exposure to high levels of air pollution, especially fine particles like PM2.5, has been linked to early labour.
Risk Associated With Premature Birth
Premature birth problems vary depending on how early the baby is born. Babies born between 34 and 36 weeks may have breathing or feeding difficulties and trouble maintaining body temperature, but with proper care, they usually develop normally. However, babies born very early, before 32 weeks, face risks like:
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Respiratory distress
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Vision or hearing problems
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Cerebral palsy
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Heart problems
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Brain bleeding
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Anaemia and newborn jaundice
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Developmental delays
How to Prevent Premature Birth?
Here are some tips on how to prevent premature birth:
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During pregnancy, quit smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs
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Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet
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Avoiding stress and practising mindful relaxation
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Begin prenatal care early, ideally in the first trimester
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Talk to your doctor about the management of other health conditions like hypertension and diabetes, with effective and safe treatment during pregnancy
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Maintain a healthy body weight during pregnancy
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Doctors may use progesterone supplements or cervical cerclage to prevent premature birth
Essential Care Tips for Premature Newborns
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Specialised Medical Support: Preterm babies require medical support, like neonatal intensive care units (NICU), to help in their physical and emotional development
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Skin to Skin Care: Placing the baby on a parent’s chest helps regulate body temperature, offers emotional comfort, and supports healthy development
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Infection Prevention: Strict hygiene, handwashing, sterile procedures, and controlled neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) access are essential
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Parent Education: Parents should be educated about their baby’s condition, care routines, and treatment to help build confidence and ensure better care
Explore More Blogs: Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Conclusion
Premature birth is a serious health concern that can cause complications for both mother and baby. Understanding the risks, including infections, stress, chronic health conditions, and unhealthy lifestyle choices, can help you take steps to prevent premature birth problems and protect your newborn’s health.
For expert care and guidance, consult our top Neonatalogist and Paediatrician at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, to ensure a healthier pregnancy and a safe start for your baby.
FAQ's
Yes. Depending on the risk, your doctor may recommend treatments like progesterone supplements or cervical cerclage (a procedure to prevent early cervical opening) to help prevent preterm labour.
Not all preterm babies require NICU care. Babies born in the late preterm stage may only need minimal support, while those born earlier often need specialised care in a NICU.
It is generally advised to keep a gap of 18 to 24 months before becoming pregnant again to ensure full recovery.
Moderate exercise during pregnancy is generally safe and can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress, both of which lower the risk of premature birth. Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
Premature babies can be discharged when they can breathe, feed, and maintain body temperature on their own.
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