Preterm labour refers to a pregnancy that lasts for 40 weeks or a labour that starts before 37 weeks. It is a typical pregnancy that occurs when contractions start and lead to the opening of your cervix after the 20th week or before the 37th week. Preterm labour does not mean that you will have a preterm birth. However, in this case, you need health support immediately for your baby’s safety.
This is also important because preterm labour can lead to premature birth, which can cause health risks to your baby. If a baby is born due to preterm labour, it will need special care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Neonatal mortality is common globally, but the neonatal mortality rate in South Africa is 10.7 deaths per 1000 births, most of which occurred due to preterm birth. The definitions of preterm birth are:
Late Preterm
Late preterm babies are born between 34 to 36 weeks of gestational age. They have higher mortality and morbidity rate than infants born at the right time because of their metabolic and physiologic immaturity.
Moderately Preterm
This refers to babies born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Around 90% of premature infants are born during this time.
Very Preterm
In this case, infants are born between 28 and 32 weeks. These babies are less likely to survive, and even if they survive, they are more likely to have disabilities and health problems.
Extremely Preterm
Infants born less than 28 weeks. The earlier the baby is born, the fewer chances to survive.
Some common signs of preterm labour are:
The primary causes of preterm labour are unknown. But generally, this problem occurs due to:
Health experts will diagnose preterm labour by observing the changes in the cervix that occurs after contractions start. The doctor might do a pelvic exam to see the changes in your cervix. You may be examined several times in a few hours. Based on your condition, the doctor may ask you to stay in the hospital for a few hours or a day to monitor your contractions.
The primary complication of a preterm baby is delivering the baby early. This can lead to several health issues for the baby, such as breathing difficulties, low birth weight, vision problems, and underdeveloped organs. Infants who are born prematurely also have the risk of developing behavioural problems, learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy.
Mothers might not be able to prevent preterm labour. However, they can try to have a healthy, full-term baby. Here are a few things that you can do:
Take good care of yourself and your baby during pregenancy. Seek prenatal care early in the pregnancy, especially if you have any risk factors for preterm birth.