Understanding Prematurity: What Every Mother Should Know

Dr Manjunath G, Consultant – Neonatologist & Paediatrician, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Sarjapur Road

For most pregnant women the nine months of pregnancy is a period characterized by thrill, whirls of imagination and a little anxiety. However, there are instances when the little ones choose to come to the world before the scheduled time. Preterm birth or being born prematurely is the term used when a baby is delivered before 37 weeks of gestation. No doubt the term “premature” is frightening but mothers with some basic knowledge would rather be prepared and then have the confidence to face the issue.
Why Do Babies Come Early?
The likelihood of giving birth to a premature baby is not dependent on one single reason but is actually the result of several factors working together. There are even times when the baby just comes out unexpectedly and without warning. One of the conditions that may result in the increase of preterm delivery risk is the presence of high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, diabetes or infections. Moreover, the case of the mother expecting twins instead of just one will definitely lead to the baby being born early. In addition to that, the choices of lifestyle such as smoking, unhealthy eating and high levels of stress could all negatively impact pregnancy resulting in an early delivery. Identifying these risks can help the mothers to take the required precautions beforehand.
How Do You Know You’re Going into Early Labour?
The mother’s body is a good indicator of what is going on inside. Symptoms like constant pain in the lower back, uterine contractions similar to those that occur during menstruation, leaking of fluid, light bleeding or feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen can indicate the onset of labor. A lot of women do not take these symptoms seriously and consider them as “normal pregnancy discomfort.” However, if these signs are detected early and the patient is referred to the doctor, the outcome can be significantly positive. In many cases, doctors are able to postpone labor or administer drugs that are effective in speeding up the development of the baby’s lungs if the alert is given in time.
Why Do Preterm Babies Need Special Care?
An infant born at full term can be compared to a fully mature fruit—ready for the world. On the other hand, infants who are born before their due date require more time for their growth. Their lungs, brain, gut and immune system could be underdeveloped. Such cases prompt numerous preterm infants being admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for example, where they are kept warm, tube-fed if necessary and their breathing or infections are supported. Despite the intimidating appearance of NICUs, they are indeed the best place for delicate babies.
Mother’s Role Remains the Most Important One
The presence and touch of a mother are still of great importance when the child is in the NICU. One of the simplest methods, that is kangaroo care—holding the baby skin-to-skin—enables the heartbeat, temperature, and even weight gain of the baby to be regulated. Breast milk is yet another magical element. Even the smallest amount (known as colostrum) gives the baby immunity from infections. In cases when the baby is unable to suckle, mothers will be able to express milk which will be fed to the baby through a tube by the nurses.
Is it Possible to Prevent Prematurity?
Not every case can be prevented but good prenatal care can manage quite a few. Regular consultations, managing thyroid problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure, eating nutritious food, taking iron and folic acid supplements, drinking enough water, and keeping away from alcohol or smoking have a huge impact on lowering risks. Women who have had a preterm delivery should notify their doctors at the very beginning since they may require some special injections or perhaps monitoring more frequently.
Prematurity could be a scary issue, however, if the right information is provided and early actions are taken, then the mothers can give their babies the safest possible start—regardless of when they choose to come.