Premature birth threatens the lives and health of more than half a million babies every year (1 in every 8 babies). Some premature babies are born so small, they could fit in the palm of your hand. If you’re pregnant, learn about the risk factors for premature birth. It’s the number one killer of newborns and babies who survive could be disabled for life. It’s a national health crisis that must be stopped.

That is why the March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month.

The March of Dimes is leading a national effort to save babies from premature birth by funding research to find the causes and by supporting local programs for families with a baby in intensive care.

During Prematurity Awareness Month, and any time, you can help save babies by taking action at marchofdimes.com. You can help the March of Dimes fight premature birth when you wear pink and blue, raise awareness with wristbands, car magnets and ribbons, send e-mails and letters, join a tribute, and/or support research.

What is premature birth?

It is a birth that is at least three weeks before a baby’s due date. It is also known as preterm birth (or less than 37 weeks — full term is about 40 weeks).

Prematurity is the leading cause of death among newborn babies. Being born premature is also a serious health risk for a baby. Some babies will require special care and spend weeks or months hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Those who survive may face lifelong problems such as:

  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Breathing and respiratory problems
  • Vision and hearing loss
  • Feeding and digestive problems.

Although the more preterm a baby is born, the more severe his or her health problems are likely to be, even babies born just a few weeks early can have more health problems than full-term babies. For example, a baby born at 35 weeks is more likely to have jaundice, breathing problems, and longer hospital stays.

Not only is premature birth an emotional roller coaster for families, there is a tremendous financial toll as well. In 2005, the annual societal economic cost (medical, educational, and lost productivity) of preterm birth in the United States was at least $26.2 billion. The average first year medical costs were about 10 times greater for preterm than for full-term babies.

Doctors sometimes decide to deliver a baby early because of concerns for the health of the mother or the baby. Despite the problems associated with a premature birth, this may be the safest option. However, in most cases preterm labor begins unexpectedly. The warning signs are:

  • Contractions (your abdomen tightens like a fist) every 10 minutes or more often
  • Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from your vagina)
  • Pelvic pressure—the feeling that your baby is pushing down
  • Low, dull backache
  • Cramps that feel like your period
  • Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

Risk Factors

There are some known risk factors for premature birth. But even if a woman does everything “right” during pregnancy, she still can have a premature baby. The known risk factors are:

  • Carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, quadruplets or more)
  • Having a previous preterm birth
  • Problems with the uterus or cervix
  • Chronic health problems in the mother, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and clotting disorders
  • Certain infections during pregnancy
  • Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or illicit drug use during pregnancy.

Preterm birth can happen to anyone and many women who have a premature birth have no known risk factors. There are things you can do to help your own health and lower your risk of having a premature baby such as:

  • Quit smoking and avoid substances such as alcohol or drugs.
  • See your health care provider for a medical checkup before pregnancy.
  • Work with your health care provider to control diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
  • Get prenatal care early, as soon as you think you may be pregnant, and throughout the pregnancy.
  • Discuss concerns during pregnancy with your health care provider, and seek medical attention for any warning signs or symptoms of preterm labor.

Birth is a complex and wonderful process. Fortunately, the outcome for most women is a full term, healthy baby. More research still is needed to understand the risk factors for premature birth, such as how family history, genetics, lifestyle, and environment may interact to put some women at greater risk for a premature delivery.

Source: marchofdimes.com and CDC.org