The arrival of any baby born before 37 weeks is regarded as a premature birth. An average pregnancy is 280 days. This gestational period is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period, and is referred to as ‘the estimated day of confinement’ or EDC. Some babies make their entrance early.
The earlier the delivery, the more the infant’s chance of survival declines, yet babies born as early as 23 weeks and weighing just one pound, one ounce have been successfully saved.
In many cases, the cause is unknown. Often, perfectly healthy women whose pregnancies progress without any problems go into early labor for no known reason. We know, however, that there are certain risk factors which can make women more susceptible to premature labor and birth.
Certain conditions, disorders, and lifestyles can lead to premature birth. These include:
Unless your doctor deems having your baby earlier than 39 weeks for a sound medical reason necessary, it’s not a good idea to induce labor, even if you know you’re going to need a Caesarean section. In some cases, induction is necessary. Some of these reasons are:
If you have not reached your full gestational 40 weeks, you should call your doctor if you experience the following signs:
If you are considered high-risk for premature birth, careful monitoring throughout your pregnancy, prescribed bed rest, and possibly medication may be recommended to avoid early delivery. If premature labor still begins despite all efforts, the process usually cannot be reversed for long, so focus is put upon protecting both you and your baby from as many complications as possible, beginning with proximity to a Neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU). Medication may be given both to slow down contractions and to accelerate development of the fetal lungs, which is often the most immediate and pressing premature birth problem.
If you are experiencing preeclampsia, additional drugs may also be used to avoid seizures, and to prevent the possibility of cerebral palsy, other brain disorders, heart problems, and/or lung issues in your baby.
Whether you are at risk or not, there are always these steps you can take to make the experience an easier and safer one for both you and your baby:
Our broad-based practice of highly trained professionals is knowledgeable in every aspect of women’s health, including high-risk pregnancies and premature births. Our facility consists of not only obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives, surgeons, nutritionists, medical assistants, nurses, and experts in holistic medicine, but we have three board–certified urogynecologists who are doubly-accredited in OB/GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). This enviable certification, and the rigid training and expertise needed to obtain it, enables these specialists to diagnose and treat any and all medical conditions unique to women. Additionally, our unlimited access to the cutting edge NICU unit at Northside Hospital Cherokee allows us to provide you with as safe and comfortable a pregnancy and subsequent birthing process as possible.
For additional information on premature births or to book an appointment, call 770.720.7733.
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