One of every 10 babies is born prematurely. Twins and other multiples are even more likely to be born early.

What exactly does prematurity mean? Most of us know it means early, but how early? A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered to be premature, or “preemie.” These infants usually weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces, which is considered to be low birth weight. The risks are higher for these smaller and younger babies.

About 2 out of 3 premature births are caused by issues that directly cause early labor, like being pregnant with more than one baby, bleeding or problems with the uterus, infection in the uterus or stress.

Other problems can make mom or baby sick during pregnancy, requiring an early delivery. Then sometimes, babies are born early for no known reason. Several factors can make premature birth more likely for pregnant mothers. These include:

• Having a preterm birth in the past.
  
  
• Getting pregnant less than a year after the last baby.
  
  
• Having an abnormal cervix or uterus.
  
  
• Being young, such as a teenager – or older than 35.
  
  
• Having health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or high levels of stress.
  
  
• Smoking or using drugs.

Premature babies are born before their bodies and organs are fully mature. They are smaller than full-term infants and may have little body fat; little scalp hair; thin, shiny or pink skin; a weak cry; trouble breathing and low muscle tone.

Preemies may need help breathing, eating, staying warm and fighting infections. The main goal is to support these infants until they are developed enough to do these things on their own. Usually this happens around the original due date for the baby but may involve treatment or assistance.

Preemies are usually watched very closely in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), with frequent monitoring of body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate and oxygen level. Some babies are placed in incubators, and some are given oxygen support, IV fluids and medications. Many require special feedings through a feeding tube in the nose or mouth that delivers breast milk or formula to the stomach.

Once premature babies can stay warm, take their feedings by mouth and regulate breathing and heart rate on their own, they can usually go home. However, some babies may still have special needs even after going home.

These babies can have long-term health problems as a result of their prematurity. Generally, the earlier the baby is born, the more serious the health problems can be.

Of course, prematurity cannot always be prevented, but there are ways to help prevent preterm births. Receiving consistent prenatal care is the key factor, as doctors and midwives can help pregnant moms find potential health issues and suggest ways to lower their risk for preterm birth. In addition, it is crucial that pregnant women refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs.

Even though more babies are surviving when they are born early and very small, it is still best to prevent preterm labor and the associated health issues whenever possible. To learn more about preventing preterm labor, please visit the Preterm Birth page on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Source: The Staywell Company, LLC