Preterm delivery: symptoms and consequences
A premature baby is one born before the completion of 37 weeks of gestation, according to the World Health Organization. It is estimated that 1 in 10 births occur in the world prematurely . Most premature births occur spontaneously, when labor starts early, when water breaks earlier than expected, o
A premature baby is one born before the completion of 37 weeks of gestation, according to the World Health Organization. It is estimated that 1 in 10 births occur in the world prematurely.
Most premature births occur spontaneously, when labor starts early, when water breaks earlier than expected, or when the cervix dilates prematurely without contractions.
What causes a premature birth
Recently a study has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine in which it is revealed that there are genes that influence the duration of pregnancy and the time of birth. The team of scientists in charge of this study has reached these conclusions after having massively analyzed the DNA of pregnant women. This can lead to new ways to prevent premature birth.
Although the exact causes that can lead to premature birth are unknown, there are factors that can cause an increased risk of it occurring as in the case of multiple pregnancies or if the mother has hypertension, diabetes or infection.
Stress, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking or using other drugs can also trigger a premature birth. Age is also a determining factor since mothers under 18 and those over 35 are more likely to suffer premature birth.
6 symptoms of premature birth
Having symptoms of premature birth does not mean that we are going to have a premature birth, but it is advisable to take them into account and contact our doctor to prevent it.
Six symptoms of being able to suffer a premature birth:
1- Presenting vaginal bleeding or severe abdominal pain.
2- Mucous discharge with blood from the vagina, which is called expulsion of the mucous plug.3- Pain in the lower back or pressure in the pelvis.
4- Regular and painful contractions that become stronger and more frequent.
5-
Abdominal cramps .6-
Breakage of the amniotic pouch , also known as breaking water, is an unequivocal sign that labor will occur in the next few hours.Consequences of premature birth for the baby
In countries with effective means, almost 9 out of 10 children born prematurely survive.
Most of the problems that premature babies present are related to the immature functioning of their organ systems. - The premature baby may have respiratory distress syndrome due to pulmonary immaturity.
- Due to the immaturity of the respiratory system, the premature baby may have difficulty suckling due to not having sucking and swallowing reflexes. For this reason they may need to be fed intravenously.
- You are more likely to get infections than a full-term baby.
- Renal function in the premature baby is also immature.
- You may have problems maintaining your body temperature so you require the use of an incubator.
- They usually present low birth weight below 2 kilos and a half.
- Having high levels of bilirubin in the blood have a yellow coloration of the skin, is what is called jaundice.
These children may suffer from physical disabilities, visual and auditory, neurological or learning disabilities throughout their lives.
