Premature Birth
Birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy
Quick Facts
- Type: Pregnancy and newborn condition
- Definition: Birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy
- Common concerns: Breathing, feeding, temperature control
- Care setting: Often a neonatal intensive care unit
Overview
Premature birth, also called preterm birth, is delivery that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, and the last weeks are important for the baby's lungs, brain, and other organs to finish developing.
Babies born prematurely may need extra medical care, often in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The earlier a baby is born, the greater the chance of health challenges, but advances in newborn care have greatly improved outcomes. Many premature babies grow up healthy, especially those born closer to full term.
Signs of Preterm Labor
Premature birth often follows preterm labor. Warning signs that labor may be starting early include:
- Regular or frequent tightening or contractions of the abdomen
- Constant low, dull backache
- Pelvic pressure or a feeling that the baby is pushing down
- Mild abdominal cramps
- A change in vaginal discharge or fluid leaking from the vagina
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
A baby born prematurely may be small, have thin skin, and need help with breathing, feeding, and staying warm. Contact your provider or seek care promptly if you notice signs of preterm labor.
Causes
The exact cause of premature birth is often unknown, but several factors can trigger or contribute to it:
- Infections, particularly of the urinary tract or reproductive system
- Problems with the placenta, such as placental abruption
- Carrying twins or more
- Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- Preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications
- Early breaking of the waters (premature rupture of membranes)
- Problems with the cervix or uterus
Risk Factors
- A previous premature birth
- Pregnancy with twins, triplets, or more
- Short interval between pregnancies
- Smoking, alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy
- High blood pressure, diabetes, or infections
- Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy
- Significant stress or limited prenatal care
Diagnosis and Newborn Care
When preterm labor is suspected, providers assess the pregnancy and the baby with:
- Examination of the cervix to check for early opening.
- Ultrasound to assess the baby and the cervix.
- Monitoring of contractions and the baby's heart rate.
After a premature birth, the baby is evaluated for breathing, feeding, temperature regulation, and other needs, and may be cared for in a NICU with monitoring and support tailored to how early the baby arrived.
Treatment
Care focuses on delaying early delivery when possible and supporting the baby afterward.
- Medications to slow labor for a short time, which can allow other treatments to work.
- Corticosteroids given to the pregnant person to speed the baby's lung development.
- Magnesium sulfate in certain situations to help protect the baby's brain.
- Antibiotics if infection is present.
- NICU care for the newborn: Breathing support, feeding assistance, warmth, and monitoring as needed.
The care plan depends on how early the baby is born and the specific situation.
Prevention
- Attend regular prenatal care throughout pregnancy
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs
- Manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes
- Treat infections promptly
- Discuss your history with your provider, as treatments may be offered if you have had a previous premature birth
- Maintain a healthy weight and balanced nutrition
When to See a Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider or seek prompt care during pregnancy if you have:
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Fluid leaking or a gush of fluid from the vagina
- Vaginal bleeding
- Constant low backache or pelvic pressure
- Decreased movement of the baby
Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or signs that the baby is in distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a premature birth?
A premature, or preterm, birth is delivery before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Full term is about 40 weeks. The earlier a baby is born, the more medical support it is likely to need, though many premature babies do well, especially those born closer to term.
What causes premature birth?
Often the exact cause is unknown. Known contributors include infections, placental problems, carrying twins or more, high blood pressure or diabetes, preeclampsia, early breaking of the waters, and problems with the cervix or uterus. A previous preterm birth raises the risk.
Can premature birth be prevented?
Not always, but the risk can be lowered with regular prenatal care, avoiding smoking and substances, managing chronic conditions, and treating infections. People with a history of preterm birth should discuss preventive options with their provider.
What are the warning signs of preterm labor?
Warning signs include regular contractions before 37 weeks, constant low backache, pelvic pressure, mild cramps, a change in vaginal discharge, fluid leaking, or vaginal bleeding. Contact your provider or seek care promptly if these occur.
Will a premature baby be healthy?
Many premature babies grow up healthy, especially those born closer to full term. The earlier the birth, the higher the chance of complications such as breathing or feeding difficulties, but modern newborn care has greatly improved outcomes.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- World Health Organization (WHO). Preterm birth.
- Mayo Clinic. Premature birth.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Premature babies.