Giving birth to your baby is an exciting experience, but things don’t work out as we plan. There are chances that you will deliver your baby preterm. Preterm delivery or preterm birth is a significant pregnancy complication where you deliver your baby before the gestation period. Preterm babies are at a high risk of health complications as they are physically underdeveloped. You must be aware of the reasons for the sudden normal delivery preterm labour. Preterm delivery can be either a normal delivery or a C-section based on the health condition of the baby. If you’re at risk of preterm labour, here is a detailed outlook on preterm birth and normal delivery.
A labour is considered preterm when you deliver your baby between 20 to 37 weeks of pregnancy. Health complications and infections are most common when you deliver your baby preterm. Your baby might also experience serious physical and mental issues as the baby is delivered soon.
● Late Preterm is when you deliver your baby between 34-36 weeks.
● Moderately Preterm is when you deliver your baby between 32-34 weeks
● Very Preterm is when you deliver your baby between 28-32 weeks
● Extremely preterm is when you deliver your baby before 28 weeks
If you’re about to experience preterm birth, you may notice specific symptoms in your body.
● Frequent uterine contractions
● Abnormal vaginal discharge
● Dull Backache
● Abdominal cramps
● Pressure in the pelvic area
● Tightenings
You may notice some signs in your newborn when they are born preterm.
● A large head compared to the size of the body.
● Too much of fine hair covering the body
● Facing difficulty in breathing
● Finding it hard to feed milk.
These signs and symptoms may vary in preterm birth based on their health.
The following are potential causes of preterm birth:
● Pregnant women who suffer from severe health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and heart disease are at the risk of preterm delivery.
● Smoking, drugs and alcohol consumption during pregnancy can induce preterm delivery.
● Infections in the urinary tract or amniotic membrane can lead to preterm birth.
● If your previous delivery was a preterm birth.
● Improper food intake and nutritional deficiency can result in preterm delivery.
● When you're pregnant with multiple babies.
● When you get pregnant using assisted reproduction technology
● Injury in your body
● Early pregnancy or late pregnancy
● Emotional distress
● Underweight and overweight before pregnancy
● Exhaustion due to excessive physical work
● Dehydration
Preterm delivery can be either normal or C-section, which is decided based on the health condition of the baby and the mother. Your doctor may ask you to choose between C-section or vaginal delivery, even in the case of preterm birth. There is a chance that you cannot decide between the two, and the preterm delivery becomes an unplanned normal delivery. This is a spontaneous premature labour where the labour occurs all of a sudden before your due date. Most of the preterm deliveries are spontaneous.
When doctors assess abnormalities in the health of the mother or the baby, they insist on going for preterm labour through a C-section. Your doctor may go for a C-section when you suffer from pre-eclampsia or if your baby suffers from fetal growth restriction. The position of your baby plays a key role in deciding between normal and C-section delivery.
It is safe for pregnant women bearing multiple babies to opt for preterm delivery via C-section for the safe delivery of the babies. This greatly minimises the risk of stillbirth when delivering multiple babies. When the life of the baby or the mother is in danger, your doctor insists on delivering the baby quickly through a C-section. C-section is opted for when your baby is in a breech position.
Preterm birth normal delivery is common when the preterm labour is spontaneous. Your doctor may also insist on going for vaginal delivery when the size of the womb is too small.
As you deliver your baby early, there are high chances for underdeveloped organs, resulting in health complications. The risks and complications that your baby may suffer from due to preterm birth are listed below:
● Breathing trouble due to immature lungs
● Heart issues like patent ductutus arteriosus and low blood pressure.
● Risk of bleeding in the brain resulting in brain injury
● Unable to maintain heat due to insufficient fat
● Suffer from digestive issues due to an underdeveloped digestive system
● Jaundice
● Anaemia
● Chances of low blood sugar levels
● Very low immunity
● There are chances for a preterm baby to suffer from certain long-term complications, including cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, vision, hearing and dental problems.
It is not possible to identify the exact cause of preterm birth. Women who are at risk of preterm labour can adopt any preventive measure to avoid preterm birth.
● Intake of progesterone supplements lowers the risk of preterm delivery
● Women with short cervix can go for cervical cerclage surgery. During this procedure, the cervix is stitched to provide enough support to the uterus.
● Visit your doctor for regular check-ups if you're at risk of preterm delivery.
● Treat health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.
● Avoid smoking, drinking and drugs.
● Ensure you eat a healthy and balanced diet.
● Stay away from infections.
● Never skip your prenatal during pregnancy. Intake of zinc and vitamin D supplements helps in preventing preterm labour.
Preterm births are usually spontaneous, and they can be either normal or C-section delivery. Regular check-ups can help avoid pregnancy complications and preterm birth. If you’re suffering from health complications, then your doctor may opt for a planned preterm C-section delivery for a safe delivery. Most of the spontaneous preterm birth is delivered vaginally, whereas based on the size of the womb, your doctor may also go for planned vaginal preterm birth.
Preterm labour is usually spontaneous and can be delivered vaginally.
● Abnormal vaginal discharge
● Contractions
● Abdominal Cramps
● Pressure in the pelvic area
This medication is offered if you’re at risk of delivering your baby early. It helps your baby to survive even after preterm birth and avoid health issues after birth.
