All You Need to Know About Premature Birth Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Sometimes, babies arrive in this world a little earlier than expected. This is known as premature birth or preterm birth, where the baby is born before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. It can feel overwhelming for parents, but with the right care and early support, these babies can grow up healthy and strong. Shared with care by Dr. Anuja Pakhare, this guide will help you understand what causes early birth, how such babies are looked after, and how parents can reduce the risk.
Being informed makes a big difference. From knowing the early signs to making small lifestyle changes, there’s a lot parents can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy. But what causes a baby to arrive early? Can it be prevented? And how is a premature baby cared for? Let’s dive into it.
What Can Cause Premature Birth?
There are many reasons a baby may be born early. Some of the common ones include:
- Health problems in the mother: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid issues can lead to early labour.
- Infections: Especially urine infections or vaginal infections, which may trigger contractions.
- Unhealthy habits: Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs during pregnancy can affect the baby’s growth.
- Earlier premature baby: If you had an early baby before, there’s a higher chance again.
- Carrying twins or more: More than one baby puts extra pressure on the womb.
- Short cervix: If your cervix is weak or short, it may open too early.
- Too much stress: Emotional or physical stress can also play a role.
- Mental health issues: Feeling very anxious or sad can increase the risk.
How Are Premature Babies Taken Care of?
At our Child Clinic in Hinjewadi, we make sure these tiny babies are looked after with love and expert care. They may need:
- NICU support: A special area in the hospital called Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where they are closely watched.
- Steroid injections: These help the baby’s lungs develop if early birth is likely.
- Breathing help and warmth: Many premature babies need machines to help them breathe and stay warm.
- Feeding support: They may need to be fed with a tube or given milk more often.
- Ongoing check-ups: We offer Follow up of High Risk Newborns in Hinjewadi to keep an eye on their growth and development after they go home.
Can Premature Birth Be Prevented?
Yes, many times it can be. Here’s how:
- Start early pregnancy check-ups: Our service for Early pregnancy evaluation and management in Hinjewadi helps catch problems early.
- Manage your health conditions: Take care of issues like diabetes or high blood pressure with your doctor’s help.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, or harmful drugs: These can seriously affect your baby’s growth.
- Reduce stress: Try light exercise, breathing exercises, or just spending time with people you love.
- Stay clean and healthy: Washing your hands and keeping infections away can help.
- Give your body time to recover: Wait at least 18 months before planning your next pregnancy.
Conclusion:
Premature birth can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With the right support and early care, your baby can grow and thrive beautifully. Knowing the causes, getting regular check-ups, and making healthy choices during pregnancy can truly help. At our Child Clinic in Hinjewadi, we walk with you every step of the way—from Early pregnancy evaluation and management to follow-up of high-risk newborns in Hinjewadi. Goodfaith Healthcare Clinic is the best choice. Dr. Anuja Pakhare provides expert pediatric care across specialties like oncology, neurology, cardiology, neonatology, and immunology.