Preterm birth is a major cause of infant mortality worldwide. On this immature day in the world, let’s understand why this happens and how to prevent it.
Every year, an astounding number of babies are born prematurely around the world, encountering many health issues and potential long-term developmental hurdles. These early arrivals often face significant challenges, including respiratory problems, difficulty eating, and increased vulnerability to infection. Every year on November 17th, the World’s Immigration Day is observed to shed light on the important issues surrounding preterm birth and the important role of timely medical interventions. This day serves as an opportunity to educate the public about various causes that can lead to preterm birth and effective strategies for prevention, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of this important health concern.
What is premature birth?
Preterm birth, also known as preterm birth, is when a baby is born 37 weeks before pregnancy, as seen in a study published in the journal vaccine. Pregnancy usually lasts around 40 weeks. Due to the lack of fully developed organs and systems, born babies often face a variety of health challenges. “These challenges include respiratory problems, difficulty maintaining temperature, feeding challenges and increased risk of infection,” says Dr. R. Kishore Kumar, a neonatologist and pediatrician. The earlier the baby is born, the greater the risk of complications and long-term health problems, the baby can face.
Six common causes of premature birth
As seen in the World Health Organization, a variety of factors can contribute to preterm birth.
1. Maternal Health: Infectious diseases such as urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases, chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and pregnancy complications such as pre-lamp syndrome and anterior placenta can increase risk.
2. Multiple Pregnancy: Carrying twins, triplets, or more babies can put additional stress on the uterus, leading to early labor.
3. Medical treatment: Certain medical procedures such as cervical cercules and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can increase the risk of preterm birth.
4. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking during pregnancy, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use can significantly increase the risk of preterm birth.
5. Uterine or cervical problems: Structural abnormalities in the uterine and cervical areas, such as weak cervical or previous uterine surgery, can contribute to early work.
6. Unknown Cause: In many cases, the exact cause of preterm birth remains unknown even after thorough medical evaluation.
What are the symptoms of preterm birth?
There are some indications that babies may be premature, as seen in a study published on MedicingPlus.
- Premature babies are usually smaller than whole-year babies.
- Their skin may be delicate, almost visible, and lack subcutaneous fat.
- They may have fine, bottom-like hair, covering the body, especially on their back and shoulders.
- These facial features may have small chins and noses and may appear less defined.
- They may have poor muscle tension and may not be very active.
- Their lungs are not fully developed and can lead to difficulty breathing.
- You may have problems swallowing and adjusting breathing and eating.
- They may have problems regulating their temperature.
It is important to note that not all premature babies exhibit all of these signs. The severity of these signs may vary depending on how early the baby was born.
Common problems with preterm babies
1. Dyspnea syndrome (RDS)
It is a common breathing problem in premature babies, especially premature babies born very early on, as seen in a study published by Statpearls. In a typical pregnancy, the baby’s lungs develop gradually, producing a substance called surfactants. This substance leaves the small air sacs in the lungs open, allowing the baby to breathe easily after birth. However, in premature babies, the lungs may not be fully developed and the production of surfactant is insufficient. This makes it difficult for the lungs to continue to swell, causing rapid, shallow breathing, a gross sound and a bluish discoloration of the skin. In severe cases, the baby may need extra oxygen and breathing support via a ventilator.
2. Brain bleeding
Premature babies have sensitive, underdeveloped blood vessels in the brain, making them susceptible to bleeding. This condition, known as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), can occur when these vulnerable blood vessels rupture. The severity of bleeding can change, and mild cases often resolve without long-term benefits. However, severe cerebral hemorrhage can cause serious complications such as hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy and delayed development. The risk of IVH is at an increased risk for babies born very early and for babies with other health complications. Careful monitoring and early intervention are important to minimise risk.
3. Digestive problems
Premature babies often experience digestive problems due to their indeveloped digestive systems, as seen in studies published in journal nutrients. Their stomachs can be small and immature, making it difficult to properly digest and absorb nutrients. This can lead to eating problems such as delayed weight gain, repeated exhalation, syncing swallows and breathing. Additionally, their intestinal linings are more permeable, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of infection.
4. Eye problems
As seen in a study published by Statpearls, retinopathy (ROP) in premature babies (ROP) is a serious eye condition that can affect premature babies. Premature babies may have inappropriate blood vessels in the retina. This is the light-sensitive tissue behind the eyes. These abnormal blood vessels can leak leaks and scars, leading to loss of vision or blindness. Regular eye examinations are essential for monitoring immature newborns with ROP. Early detection and treatment such as laser surgery and injections can help prevent vision damage and promote healthy visual growth.
How to prevent premature birth?
There are six ways to prevent unskilled work.
1. Prenatal care
Regular prenatal testing is essential to monitor pregnancy progression and identify potential risks early. These visits allow healthcare providers to assess the baby’s growth, monitor the mother’s health, and screen for conditions that may increase the risk of preterm birth. Timely interventions such as medication, lifestyle modifications, and bed rest can help prevent premature birth and improve the likelihood of a healthy full-term pregnancy.
2. A healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in preventing premature birth. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains provides essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy. Regular, moderate exercise can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of complications. Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preterm birth. It is important to avoid harmful substances such as smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs, as they can significantly increase the risk of preterm birth and other pregnancy complications. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can greatly improve pregnant women’s chances of mid-term pregnancy.
3. Reduces stress
Stress can have a major impact on pregnancy and can contribute to premature birth. Chronic stress can stimulate uterine contractions and cause the release of hormones that can lead to early work. To manage your stress levels, it is important to practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. These practices help to calm the mind, reduce anxiety and promote overall well-being. Additionally, seeking support from your loved one, joining a support group, or talking to a therapist can provide emotional relief and help you deal with pregnancy challenges.
4. Prevent infection
Practicing good hygiene is essential to preventing infections that can cause premature birth. Frequent hand washing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of bacteria. It is especially important to wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet, and after handling raw food. Additionally, avoiding close contact with sick people and getting vaccinated from preventable diseases can help protect yourself and your baby from infection.
Following these precautions, seeking regular medical advice can significantly reduce the risk of preterm birth and ensure a healthier pregnancy.
