What is the Threat of Premature Birth?
Threat of Premature Birth | The threat of premature birth is a condition that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy, that is, before the normal delivery period, and involves the risk of the baby being born earlier than expected. This condition may lead to the possibility of the baby being born earlier than expected, before the lungs have completed their development.
The threat of premature birth can be revealed by detecting contractions in the uterus or a shortening of the cervix on ultrasound. Contractions may indicate that the uterus is preparing for birth, which increases the risk of premature birth. Cervical insufficiency may cause the cervix to open early and labor to begin in some women due to the laxity of the cervix.
The threat of premature birth is a condition that carries serious risks for the mother and her baby. Therefore, it is important to detect the threat of premature birth early and perform the necessary treatments. In addition, it is important to identify pregnancies with a high risk of premature birth, such as having a history of premature birth or multiple pregnancies, at the first prenatal visit and to take precautions and follow up frequently during pregnancy. These treatments may include rest, increased fluid intake, medications to control uterine contractions, and treatments such as stitching the cervix in patients with cervical insufficiency. These measures can help prevent premature birth and allow the baby to develop more fully.
What are the factors that trigger premature birth?
Factors that trigger premature birth can be caused by a number of biological, environmental and lifestyle factors during pregnancy. Here are some of these factors:
Infections: Infections during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth. In particular, urinary tract infections, dental infections, upper respiratory tract infections, vaginal infections and other genital infections can increase the risk of premature birth.
Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Use: Smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs can increase the risk of premature birth. These substances can negatively affect the baby’s development and increase the risk of premature birth. In addition, studies have proven that smoking leads to low birth weight babies.
Stress: High levels of stress during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth. Stress can trigger labor contractions by increasing cortisol levels in the body and can cause premature birth.
Multiple Pregnancies: The risk of premature birth is higher in mothers expecting twins or more babies. Multiple pregnancies can cause the uterus to stretch more and trigger premature labor.
Maternal Age: Pregnancies at a young or older age can increase the risk of premature birth. In young mothers, the uterus not being fully developed, and in older mothers, some health problems can increase the risk of premature birth.
These factors can increase the risk of premature birth, but their effects can vary in each pregnancy. Regular doctor check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of premature birth.
In Which Months Is the Risk of Premature Birth Higher?
The risk of premature birth can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but it tends to be higher in certain months. The risk of premature birth may increase at the end of the second trimester and the beginning of the third trimester. During this period, while the uterus continues to grow, certain factors (e.g. infections, stress, cervical insufficiency) may increase the risk of premature birth.
The risk of premature birth should be considered at every stage of pregnancy and should be monitored regularly with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra ÖZBAŞLI check-ups. In this way, preventive measures can be taken and appropriate interventions can be made when necessary in pregnant women at risk of premature birth.
Problems that can be monitored in premature babies
Before the 34th week of pregnancy, the baby’s lungs and other organs may not be fully developed yet. This can lead to serious complications such as respiratory problems if the baby is born prematurely. Respiratory support and other medical interventions may be required in premature babies with respiratory distress.
- Babies born prematurely may be more vulnerable to infections. Therefore, premature babies are at higher risk of infection, and these infections can lead to serious complications.
- Babies born prematurely may grow and develop more slowly than babies born full term. This can increase the risk of long-term health problems for the baby.
- Neurological problems are more common in babies born prematurely. These problems can include cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and other neurological disorders.
- Premature babies often have problems sucking and swallowing. This can lead to poor feeding and growth problems.
- Premature babies often require long-term support and supervision in the intensive care unit. This can be emotionally and financially challenging for families.
- Premature babies may have eye problems such as retinopathy. This can affect the baby’s vision and lead to permanent vision loss.
- Premature babies may have an increased risk of hearing loss. This can affect the baby’s language development and negatively affect their communication skills.
Premature birth can create emotional and psychosocial stress in parents. If the baby requires prolonged treatment in the intensive care unit, this can cause families to go through difficult times emotionally and financially.
