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Premature birth is defined medically as a birth occurring earlier than 37 weeks. Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks. About 10% of babies come sooner. A baby born within 37-42 weeks is considered full term. Prematurely born babies are sometimes called preemies. Infants born prematurely have an increased risk of death in the first year of life. They are also at a greater risk for developing serious health problems such as: cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease , gastrointestinal problems, mental retardation, vision and hearing loss.The causes of approximately half of all preterm births are unknown. In 2001, about 1 in 8 babies in the U.S (467,000 in total) were born prematurely. The shorter the term of pregnancy is, the greater the risks of complications. When conditions are permitted, doctors will attempt to stop premature labor, so that the pregnancy can continue to term, thereby increasing the baby’s chances at survival. However, in most cases there is little that can be done to prevent preterm labor. After being born, a premature baby will cared for in an NICU ( Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ). In the NICU babies are kept in incubators, a bassinet enclosed in plastic with climate control equipment designed to keep the baby warm and limit their exposure to germs. In some cases an oxygen-enriched atmosphere may be used, though this is avoided where possible as it can cause damaging side effects. They are released from the hospital when they no longer need the constant hospital care the NICU provides.
1 Factors
There are many factors that are related to premature births. However, the nature of the relationship between these factors and premature births are unclear.
- Women who have tried to conceive for more than a year before getting pregnant are at a higher risk for premature birth. A recent study done by Dr. Olga Basso of the University of Aarhus in Denmark and Dr. Donna Baird of the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences suggests that women who had difficulty conceiving were about 40 percent higher risk of preterm birth than those who had conceived easily.
- Previous pregnancies that were premature, or ended in miscarriage.
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities.
- Women 18 and under or over 35 are at a higher risk for premature birth.
- Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy.
- Substance abuse of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
- Infections of the cervix, uterus or urinary tract. Certain STDs, Beta Strep .
- Chronic disease such as high blood pressure , kidney disease and diabetes.
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) are at a higher risk for premature birth.
- Antepartum hemorrhage
- Preeclampsia
2 Symptoms and indications
The following symptoms may indicate a possible premature birth:
- Regular contraction (in childbirth)In medicine ( obstetrics), a contraction is a forceful motion of the uterus, generated by the release of oxytocin ("quick labor") by the pituitary gland, culminating in childbirth. The uterus also contracts during menstruation. When the uterus contracts i.
- A watery discharge from the vagina which may indicate premature rupture of the membranes surrounding the baby.
- Pressure in the pelvisThe pelvis is the bony structure located at the base of the spine (properly known as the caudal end). The pelvis incorporates the socket portion of the hip joint for each leg (in bipeds) or hind leg (in quadrupeds). It forms the lower limb (or hind-limb) or the sensation that the baby has "dropped".
- Menstrual cramps or abdominal pain.
- Pain in lower abdomen or back.
- Vaginal spottingSpotting in weightlifting is done by a partner of the person lifting the weights to ensure safety. The spotter checks to make sure the weightlifter is not in any physical danger and usually plays a supporting role in terms of encouragement. The term is al or bleeding.
3 Treatments For Premature Birth
- Anti-contraction medications
- Corticosteroids - help to stimulate the growth of fetal lungs to produce surfactant
- Possible delivery measures include:
- Vaginal delivery
- EpisiotomyAn episiotomy is a surgical incision made to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth to assist delivery of the baby. This incision can be midline or at an angle from the posterior end of the vulva. It should be performed under local anaesthetic and
- ForcepsForceps are a hand-held instrument for grasping and holding objects, similar in concept to tongs, tweezers or pincers. They have a locking mechanism to ensure they do not squeeze too tightly onto the object they are used upon. They are sometimes used in s
- Cesarian delivery
- Treatment measures for a premature infant:
