Baby Preterm Birth Common Causes Effects and Safety Measures

Baby Preterm Birth Common Causes Effects and Safety Measures
Baby Preterm Birth Common Causes Effects and Safety Measures

The duration required for the complete organ growth and development of a baby inside the pregnant woman is around 40 weeks. If a baby is delivered prior to this typical period or three weeks before (37 weeks), then the condition is called preterm birth. Such a baby is referred to as a preterm or premature baby. This preterm birth causes severe organ distress and breathing difficulty in the baby, requiring intensive care support. Hence, the preterm baby is placed in the NICU ward with continuous monitoring.

As the organs are still growing to completion in the final weeks of pregnancy, early delivery causes an inability to regulate temperature and feeding capacity. Such effects hinder the developmental milestones of the preterm baby in the future. With the help of the latest medical technologies and devices, these adverse effects can be reversed, and the preterm baby is allowed to grow to the fullest via artificial replacements.

The severity of the preterm birth depends on the timeline of delivery and is classified as late, moderately, very, and extremely preterm births. Such types of preterm births are commonly seen in women being pregnant after 35 years and using reproductive technologies like in-vitro fertilization. Neonatologists clinically manage preterm births, besides a gynecologist and pediatrician. Skedoc provides a list of Neonatologist doctors in AS Rao Nagar who specialize in managing preterm birth delivery.

Common causes

The cause of preterm delivery can be due to multiple factors with no definite cause. It can also be medically induced due to emergent conditions in rare cases. However, the following causes may play a significant role in prompting preterm delivery:

  • Uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes or heart diseases of the pregnant woman.
  • Placental disruptions.
  • Conditions like pre-eclampsia.
  • Triple or twin pregnancies.
  • Prolonged use of alcohol or tobacco by the pregnant woman.
  • Severe vaginal bleeding and infections.
  • Chronic stress and poor mental health status of the pregnant woman.
  • Changes in the structural and functional ability of the uterus.

The preterm birth of a baby needs to be promptly evaluated and treated with necessary neonatal services.

Effects

Effects of preterm birth are variable and life-threatening if left untreated by specialty doctors. The multifaceted effects of preterm delivery affect both the infant and the mother. The changes in the effects are significant based on the duration of preterm delivery.

Some of the common effects which are seen in preterm babies are as follows:

  • Blood cell disorders such as anemia due to poor bone marrow formation.
  • Apnea/temporary episodes of pauses in breathing.
  • Internal bleeding.
  • Neonatal jaundice with elevated levels of bilirubin.
  • Inflammation of intestines.
  • More prone to developing infectious conditions.
  • Respiratory distress.
  • Abnormal blood flow in the heart abnormalities.
  • Congenital defects of the heart, brain, and other organs.
  • Reduced immunity.
  • Retinopathy.
  • Elevated risk of developing mental disturbances and neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy.
  • Challenges in reaching and attaining developmental milestones include communication and learning disabilities.
  • Cleft lip and palate. 

Some of the common effects seen in pregnant women who delivered a preterm baby include:

  • Severe mental health crisis.
  • Postpartum depression and anxiety disorders.
  • Declined ability to emotionally bond with the preterm baby due to fear or uncertainty.

Safety measures

Safety measures which are associated with caring for preterm babies include:

  • Completion of required support from the NICU ward.
  • Frequent help with feeding, breathing, and adjustment to temperature changes.
  • Continuous monitoring to avoid any complications.

There are certain safety and preventive measures to be followed by pregnant women to avoid preterm labor, such as

  • Strict restriction of alcohol and tobacco consumption.
  • Management of underlying systemic health conditions.
  • Consumption of healthy and nutrition-rich meals.
  • Inclusion of physical activity regimen with exercises, yoga, and breathing techniques.
  • Coping mechanisms to manage stress.
  • Adherence to regular screening and prenatal appointments.
  • Discuss any concerning signs, such as abnormal vaginal discharges, with the health care provider for early intervention.
  • Adherence to family planning protocol with a minimum of 18 months gap between the consecutive child.

Preterm babies born after 34 weeks of pregnancy may likely adapt to the NICU environment and respond well to the treatment options. If the preterm birth is earlier than this duration, then they may increase the risk of developing health complications. Continuous monitoring of the preterm baby for vitals and changes is important to avoid any underlying organ damage.