Preterm birth occurs when delivery occurs before 37 weeks of gestation. Most pregnancies last longer than 37 weeks. Preterm birth occurs between 6-12 percent of births in most countries, and the shorter the period of pregnancy, the higher the risk of complications.
Babies born prematurely have a certain risk of death in the first few years of life. There is also a certain risk of developing serious health problems such as: cerebral palsy, chronic lung diseases, gastrointestinal problems, mental retardation, loss of vision and hearing.
Risk factors for preterm birth
There are situations in which the risk factors are greater when it comes to the possibility of giving birth to a premature baby:
? Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)
? Woman under 18 or over 38 years old
? Previous preterm births
? Urinary or vaginal infections
? Uterine or placental abnormalities
? Using tobacco, alcohol, or drugs
? Repeat abortions
? Short intervals between pregnancies
? Poor nutritional status during pregnancy
? Living in an unhealthy physical and social environment
? Working with excessive effort or stress
Signs and symptoms of a premature birth:
? Uterine contractions with or without pain every 10 minutes or less for more than 30 minutes
? Pain in the lower back or lower back
? Menstrual cramps with or without diarrhea
? Pressure in the pelvic area (feeling that the baby is pushing down)
? Vaginal bleeding
? Changes in vaginal discharge
What to do before a premature birth:
If you were doing any activity, stop doing it and lie on your left side and try to relax. Drink 2 or 3 glasses of water and wait for about 30 minutes. If the symptoms don't go away, go to the nearest hospital.
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