Subscribe to our blogs

Reviewed by

Dr. Beena Jeysingh

Senior Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Manipal Hospitals, Sarjapur Road

Book Appointment

Preterm Birth (Premature Birth): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Reviewed by:

Bringing home a baby is one of life's greatest joys. But when the baby comes early, it can bring with it concerns and a whole lot of questions for parents. Preterm birth means babies who are born at less than 37 weeks of pregnancy. While it can be difficult in some situations, advances in medicine have ensured that most premature babies can develop and live a healthy life.

Throughout this article, we will guide you through everything you should know about premature birth. You can learn how to recognise the early signs of preterm labour, the common causes and risk factors, and the treatments doctors use when labour starts too soon. We’ll also share practical steps that can lower the risk of preterm birth.

How to Recognise Preterm Labour

Occasionally, early labour signs can feel quite like the typical changes your body experiences in the final stages of pregnancy. If you experience any of these, get in touch with your doctor or hospital immediately.

You could be experiencing preterm labour if you experience:

Normal tightening or spasms that don't ease with rest.
Period-type cramps or a dull, persistent backache that is different from other pregnancy aches.
A gush or leak of fluid, which could indicate that your waters have broken prematurely.
Bleeding or a strange discharge that is heavier, more watery, or has a blood tinge to it.
A sensation of feeling pushed in your lower abdomen, pelvis, or thighs, as though the baby was actually pushing downwards.

Why Preterm Birth Occurs

In many cases, there are multiple causes of preterm birth. However, some causes can increase the likelihood of preterm birth.
Some of the common factors include:

Previous premature birth:	having had one baby early increases the chances in later pregnancies.
Carrying twins or triplets:	multiple babies put extra strain on the body.
Problems with the womb, cervix, or placenta:	a weak cervix or placental complications can also result in preterm birth.
Health conditions in the mother:	high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues, or infections during pregnancy.
Lifestyle habits:	smoking, alcohol use, or certain drugs can raise the risk.
Pregnancies spaced too closely:	getting pregnant again within 18 months of a previous birth.
Maternal age:	being very young (under 17) or older (over 35).

What Doctors Do if Labour Starts Early

preterm-birth-causes-symptoms-treatment

If you go into labour early, doctors act quickly to protect both you and your baby. The goal is to make sure the baby is as ready as possible for an early arrival. If your waters break early, you may be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection, and you’ll be carefully monitored to see how both you and your baby are doing.

In some situations, delivering the baby right away is safer than waiting. Your medical team will guide you through that decision. Every case of preterm birth is unique. Doctors consider how far along the pregnancy is, the baby’s health, and the mother’s well-being before deciding the safest next steps.

In the hospital, care may include:

Medicines to slow down contractions for a short while, giving the baby more time in the womb.
Steroid injections help the baby’s lungs mature faster and reduce breathing problems after birth.
Magnesium sulphate, given in very early cases between 24 to 34 weeks preterm. It is meant to protect the baby’s brain and lower the risk of long-term complications.

Caring for Babies Born Early

When a baby is born too soon, depending on how many weeks early, they may need extra support in the first few days or weeks. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is used for such a situation. It is a special unit in the hospital designed just for premature babies. It’s staffed with expert caregivers and equipped with advanced technology to help preterm babies grow in a safe environment.

In the NICU, your baby may receive:

Help with breathing or feeding until they are strong enough to do these on their own.
Warmth in an incubator to maintain body temperature.
Extra protection from infections, since premature babies have less mature immune systems.

Reducing the Risk of Preterm Birth

Not every premature birth can be prevented, but there are ways to lower the risks and give your baby the best chance of a healthy start.
There are everyday steps that can make a big difference:

Quit smoking and avoid alcohol or drugs during pregnancy.
Eat healthy, rest well, and stay hydrated to support your body and your baby.
Attend regular prenatal check-ups, so any concerns can be caught early.
Watch out for infections since some can trigger early labour if left untreated.
Space pregnancies at least 18 months apart. It gives your body time to fully recover before the next one.

Conclusion

Managing a risk of preterm labour may be an intimidating prospect, but it is important to remember that you are not on your own. With modern medical assistance, nearly all the pre-matured babies turn out healthy. Recognising danger signs, visiting a doctor on time, and following their advice can make a significant difference.

Every pregnancy is different, and the proper care at the appropriate time can give your baby the best possible beginning. Do you have a fear of going into labour early? Or you want to know how to reduce the chances of early labour? Our specialists at Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road can help you through every step throughout your journey.