Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a Preemie?Premature Birth RisksEffects on Birthing ParentCausesSymptomsTreatmentPreventionHospital StayComing Home
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is a Preemie?
Premature Birth Risks
Effects on Birthing Parent
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
Hospital Stay
Coming Home
Jill Lehmann Photography/ Getty Images
Premature Birth: Effects of Delivery Before 37 Weeks
Healthcare providers measure pregnancy development in weeks. A full-termpregnancylasts 40 weeks. Birth before 37 weeks is considered premature. There are three categories of premature birth, which include:
Risks of Premature Birth: Effect on Infant
Preemie Health Issues
Risks of Premature Birth: Effect on Birthing Parent
One study found that parents are more likely to experienceanxiety,depression,post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), and poor well-being after premature birth. They are also less likely to experience feelings of attachment and connectedness with their babies.
What Causes Premature Birth?
The cause of premature birth is unknown, but several risk factors play a role. When a pregnant person is diagnosed with any of the following conditions, their risk of premature birth increases:
Risk factors for premature labor and birth include:Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)Blood-clotting problemsAge (younger than 18 or older than 35)Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)Stress, working long hoursLack of social supportDomestic violenceExposure to certain pollutantsTobacco or substance use
Risk factors for premature labor and birth include:
Symptoms of Premature Birth
If you are pregnant, you may be unsure what it will feel like to go into labor. See a healthcare provider immediately if you experience any signs of labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Symptoms of premature birth may include:
Interventions to Treat Premature Birth Complications
In the NICU, specially-trained doctors and nurses monitor babies for changes. Aneonatologistis a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of premature babies.
Common interventions provided in the NICU include:
Controllable and Uncontrollable Prevention Factors
Many risk factors for premature birth cannot be changed and are not your fault. For instance, you have no control over your age or family history. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with a healthcare provider about managing your condition while pregnant.
How Long Do Preemies Stay in the Hospital?
Coming Home After Premature Birth
Most premature babies need extra checkups with their healthcare provider, especially when they first come home from the hospital. During these appointments, your child’s pediatrician will monitor their growth, speech development, muscle tone, and motor skills.
Premature babies are not the only ones who need extra care after being hospitalized. Birthing parents need rest, healthy food, and plenty of water. They also need a chance to take a break and time for gentle physical activity. It is common to experience symptoms of anxiety or depression after birth. Consider meeting with a therapist to get the support you need.
Summary
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Premature babies.
March of Dimes.Premature babies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Premature birth.
World Health Organization.Preterm birth.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Health issues of premature babies.
Trumello C, Candelori C, Cofini M, et al.Mothers' depression, anxiety, and mental representations after preterm birth: A study during the infant’s hospitalization in a neonatal intensive care unit.Front Public Health. 2018;6:359. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2018.00359
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Preterm labor and birth.
March of Dimes.Premature labor and premature birth: Are you at risk?.
Mount Sinai.Newborn jaundice: Discharge.
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