Pregnancy is a period in which every woman experiences unique periods. During this period, the development process of each expectant mother and her baby is different from each other. Therefore, it is very important to follow the doctor’s instructions with regular check-ups and to follow these instructions.
The period between 37 and 40 weeks is when the birth is expected to occur. A preterm birth is a birth that takes place before the normal delivery time, before 37 weeks. The baby is born when it is not ready for birth and is therefore called “premature”. In this case, the baby can be expected to have some problems with the respiratory, digestive and circulatory systems. In preterm birth, babies may also be underweight. Preterm birth is a risky period, so it is very important that it is closely monitored and treated if possible.
What causes premature birth?
There are many causes of preterm birth. These include
- Weak uterus
- Twin, triplet pregnancies
- Previous history of preterm birth
- Separation of the placenta from the uterus
- Some infections
- High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
- Genetic factors on the maternal and/or paternal side
Identifying the cause of preterm birth is important for early treatment and intervention. For this reason, regular health check-ups are necessary throughout pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of preterm labor?
Preterm labor can be detected early with certain symptoms. Signs of preterm labor can include the following:
- Bloody or normal vaginal discharge
- Cramps or contractions
- Increased or sudden uterine pain
- Pain in the back
- Clotted or watery discharge
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
How Many Weeks Does Premature Birth Occur?
The period in which the expectant mother is usually prepared and a healthy development process is completed for the baby starts at 37 weeks and lasts until 40 weeks. Births that occur before the 27th week, when the baby begins to complete its healthy development, are called preterm births. Premature birth is a name given to births that occur before 37 weeks. Births that occur before this period require special care depending on the baby’s development.
How Many Weeks Does a Healthy Birth Take?
A normal birth takes place between 37 and 40 weeks. In births that occur before this period, conditions that require special care for babies are evaluated by health professionals and the treatment process begins. If labor has not started after the 40th weeks of pregnancy, the health status of the mother and baby is evaluated and labor is initiated with an external intervention.
How to recognize preterm labor?
Symptoms of preterm labor can include contractions, cramping, uterine pain, increased vaginal discharge, back pain and diarrhea. If these symptoms persist and occur more frequently than usual, a doctor should be consulted urgently.
Who is at high risk of preterm birth?
Doctors can usually predict whether there is a risk of premature birth during regular check-ups. It is very important to act with the doctor’s guidance from the early stages of pregnancy. People at high risk of preterm birth include those who have certain factors before or during pregnancy. These people are
- Those who have given birth prematurely before
- Those with multiple pregnancies such as twins, triplets
- Those with poor cervical length
- History of cervical surgery
- Those with cervical insufficiency
- Those with prenatal infections
- People with high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
- Those with low socioeconomic conditions
- Those under intense stress
- Those who drink too much alcohol, smoke
- Drug users
- Those who are overweight or underweight
How should those at risk of preterm labor sleep?
Those at risk of preterm labor should avoid sleeping on their back and sleep on their side. When sleeping on your side, it is better to prefer the left side. It can also help to use high supportive pillows. It is also important to see a doctor at regular intervals.
Complications of preterm labor
Premature birth can cause problems for the mother as well as the baby. Possible complications may include
- Infant respiratory distress
- Risk of infection
- Bleeding
- Brain damage
- Stillbirth
- Maternal bleeding
- Cervix tear
- Postpartum depression
Development of the baby after preterm birth
Babies born prematurely may have a longer hospital stay and may also need more medical care. At the same time, preterm babies may have the following problems:
- Risk increases in live-born babies
- Having a low birth weight
- Developmental delay
- Respiratory distress
- Infections
- Neonatal jaundice
The Importance of Prenatal Care
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The effect of prenatal care in the prevention of preterm labor
Premature birth is a serious condition that mothers can face during pregnancy. Prenatal care can help the health of mother and baby and reduce the risk of preterm birth. This care includes many factors such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, regular doctor visits and stress avoidance. The right antenatal care program can significantly reduce the risk of preterm birth and ensure a healthy pregnancy. During this period, it is especially important for expectant mothers to pay attention to self-care. It is also important to follow the right information about pregnancy and the birth process and to make the necessary preparations.
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Proper nutrition and exercise
Proper nutrition is important for the healthy growth of the baby. During pregnancy, expectant mothers should eat a nutrient-rich diet to meet their daily calorie requirements. Regular exercise also has a positive effect on heart health. A balanced diet and exercise can help both mental relaxation and physical strengthening, leading to greater endurance during and after labor. It is important to implement these factors correctly to reduce the risk of preterm labor. For example, this process can be supported with yoga in pregnancy.
What should be done to prevent premature birth?
Prevention of preterm labor includes measures to be taken from the moment you decide to have a baby. Preparing the body and mind for pregnancy and establishing an attentive care routine during pregnancy are essential steps for a healthy birth.
Premature birth is a serious condition that mothers can face during pregnancy. Prenatal care includes many factors, including regular check-ups, healthy eating and exercise, as well as stress avoidance. A properly designed care program can reduce the risk of preterm birth and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Factors such as nutrition in pregnancy and exercise during pregnancy are important factors of antenatal care and their correct implementation can significantly reduce the risk of preterm birth.