Here are the things you should know about preterm births.
The journey of expecting a baby is both exciting and overwhelming. As your body goes through countless changes, you make space for yet more of them in your life to welcome the little one. After all, nine months isn’t a lot of time to prepare yourself to be a parent, especially for first-timers.
Imagine that time being cut short, with your baby arriving even earlier. Preterm births have seen a remarkable uptick in the last decade, affecting newborns’ health adversely.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that between 2010 and 2020, over 152 million babies were born preterm. And one of those preterm babies died every 40 seconds. That’s the ugly truth of preterm births.
I was wondering why these risky births have been on the rise globally. Join us as we look deeper into the factors contributing to the phenomena today.
A preterm birth is a premature birth that takes place before the ideal gestational period of 37 weeks. You’d be surprised to learn that these births vary largely in terms of age. Some preemies are born as early as 27 weeks, while others arrive anywhere between 32 and 36 weeks.
But what causes these babies to come before their time? Here are some factors that could be behind the growing trend of preterm births:
Advanced maternal age, typically defined as pregnancy at 35 years or older, has become increasingly common in recent years. While many women successfully navigate pregnancy in their late thirties, it does come with a heightened risk of preterm birth.
There are several factors that link older maternal age to preterm birth. The first is the higher prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can create complications in pregnancy. This often leads to preterm delivery, as highlighted in a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development study.
Older mothers are also more prone to placental problems - such as placental abruption or placenta previa. These conditions can reduce the flow of blood to the fetus, potentially triggering premature labor.
Another contributing factor is the growing use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), which are more common among older women seeking to conceive. While ART treatments boost the chances of pregnancy, they also raise the likelihood of multiple pregnancies and other complexities, resulting in preterm birth.
In today's society, the pressures and stresses of modern life have led to an increase in drug and alcohol abuse among women. This troubling trend has significant implications for maternal and fetal health, particularly concerning the risk of preterm birth.
Consuming alcohol during pregnancy is associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). This can result in various physical, behavioral, and learning issues in your baby. It also disrupts their oxygen and nutrient supply, leading to growth limitations and the risk of preterm labor.
Carrying more than one fetus places additional physical demands on a woman's body. The uterus must accommodate the growth of multiple babies, which can lead to overstretching and increased pressure. This added strain often results in a shorter gestational period, making preterm labor more likely.
In fact, the majority of multiple pregnancies end before 37 weeks of gestation. The Twin Trust Organization notes how over 50-60% of twin pregnancies end in preterm birth.
The presence of multiple fetuses can also create an imbalance in the distribution of nutrients and oxygen, contributing to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Besides affecting the growth of the babies, it also increases the likelihood of preterm delivery to ensure their survival outside the womb.
So far, we’ve discussed the factors responsible for the higher rate of preterm births in recent years. But here’s another important aspect: once a baby is born preterm, they require even more care than regular babies because of their fragility.
As parents of a preemie, you must be vigilant - especially in the first six months - to ensure their healthy growth. Rest, nutrition, and a safe environment are the key factors that you should focus on.
It is true that all babies benefit from breast milk, but truer in the case of preemies. Breast milk is easier on their delicate digestive tracts and also builds their immunity against infections.
On the off chance that breastfeeding isn’t an option for you, picking the right feeding formula is paramount. Not every infant formula out there might suit their sensitive gut. In fact, TorHoerman Law reports that some formula brands can even expose preemies to fatal gastrointestinal diseases.
Similac and Enfamil are examples of brands that have been linked to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm babies. Parents whose babies suffered this life-threatening disease after feeding the formulas filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of these brands.
In a recent NEC lawsuit update, a total of 512 lawsuits were filed against Abbott Laboratories - the manufacturer of Similac.
Therefore, it’s wise to get a suggestion - and then a second opinion - from multiple pediatricians before purchasing your preemie’s feeding formula.
Making sure your preterm baby gets enough sleep is vital for their growth and development. Preemies often need more sleep than full-term infants because they are still catching up on development outside the womb.
Your little one might sleep up anywhere between 18 and 22 hours a day. But don't be surprised if these hours are spread out in shorter, irregular intervals. To help them get the quality sleep they need, you should try swaddling them and playing continuous, soothing background music.
When it comes to taking your preemie outdoors, you can never be too cautious.
While fresh air can be beneficial, it's important to limit their exposure to public places, especially in the early months. This is because the vulnerable immune systems of preemies make them more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Crowded areas can expose them to germs and viruses. Instead, opt for quieter, more controlled environments like your backyard or a local park during off-peak hours.
Another crucial step in protecting your preemie when taking them outdoors is ensuring they are up-to-date with their immunizations. Preterm babies may have a different vaccination schedule, so it's essential to follow your pediatrician’s advice closely.
While all children are gifts, seeing preemies as more delicate presents works well for new parents. These premature little ones need extra attention in their early months to compensate for the growth they missed in the womb. With the right nutrition, rest, and immunization, they’ll be hearty and healthy by the time they turn one.
