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Preterm Labour is a condition in which regular contractions of the uterus results in the opening of your cervix after Week 20 and before Week 37 of pregnancy. This condition lets the baby enter the birth canal. Preterm labour can result in premature birth and associates baby with greater health risk. Premature babies need special care in the neonatal intensive care unit and can also have long-term mental and physical disabilities.
Signs and symptoms of preterm labour include: – Regular or frequent sensations of contractions in the uterus – Constant low and dull backache – A change in the type of vaginal discharge like, watery, mucus-like or bloody – Light bleeding or vaginal spotting – Changes in hormones – Mild abdominal cramps – Infections
The labour stops on its own in about 30% of preterm labour cases. The treatment depends on circumstances and on doctor’s recommendation for whether to try medication and delay delivery or speed the development of the baby, whichever situation is suitable.
There are many risk factors that are associated with the results of preterm labour. Some of these are: – Smoking and use of illegal drugs – Problems with the placenta or uterus – Pregnancy with twins, or other multiples – Previous preterm labour, particularly in the most recent pregnancy or in more than one previous pregnancy – Age of the mother is under 20 years or over 35 years old – Shortened cervix – Foetal birth defect in past – Stressful life events – Some chronic conditions such as depression, diabetes, autoimmune disease and high blood pressure – Premature rupture of membranes
Preterm labour and preterm birth lead to the premature birth of the babies which leads to various health risk factors. Premature babies are kept in a neonatal intensive care unit because they are born early from the time period. Many premature babies have long-term mental and physical disabilities. It also affects the reproductive health of a woman as she might face the same circumstances in her next pregnancy.
– Avoid recreational drugs, alcohol and smoke: It is important to avoid these things during pregnancy, especially during the first three months. This can harm the development of the baby and can impose a higher risk of having your baby prematurely and they may have problems with growth and brain development. – Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet is the key to every problem and is often associated with a healthy pregnancy. Some research suggests that a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is associated with a lower risk of premature birth. – Weight: There is a higher risk of preterm birth if the mother is underweight particularly if your BMI is below 19.8. Obese or overweight also increases the chance of miscarriage along with other problems. – Consider pregnancy spacing: Research suggests a link between pregnancies spaced less than six months apart, or more than 59 months apart and an increased risk of premature birth.
– Bed rest in hospital or home – Tocolytic medicines help to slow or stop contractions – Corticosteroids help the lungs of your baby grow and mature. Preterm babies’ lungs may not be able to work on their own – The procedure of cervical cerclage is used to stitch the cervix closed. It may be done when the cervix is weak and not able to stay closed. – Antibiotics to treat the infection
Pregnancy spacing is the term used for giving space and time between two pregnancies. According to some research, there is a link between pregnancies spaced less than six months apart, or more than 59 months apart and an increased risk of premature birth. It is advisable to consult your doctors for planning your pregnancy and space needed.
A healthy diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle at any time, but especially vital if you’re pregnant. A healthy diet gives your baby the essential nutrients they need in the womb. There should be an aim for a balanced healthy diet with a blend of these five food groups: vegetables and legumes, bread and cereals, milk, yoghurt and cheese, meat, poultry, fish and alternatives, fruit. Foods containing protein like meat, fish, chicken, eggs, milk, cheeses, nuts, beans and legumes help a baby grow.
– Seek regular prenatal care to monitor your health and the baby’s too. Mention any symptoms of preterm labour if it concerns you. Visit your doctor regularly if you had or have any preterm labour or delivery. – Consume a healthy and balanced diet – Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, because it increases the risk of preterm labour. – Avoid consumption of harmful substances such as smoking, drinking, etc. – Take all the medications and treatment sincerely recommended by a doctor.
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