Thursday, June 16, 2011

It's a fear for many expectant mothers, a premature baby. Pre-term births are increasing across the nation and it's a serious pregnancy complication.

Pre-term birth is the cause of many infant deaths and lingering infant illnesses in the United States. A mother goes into labor and gives birth before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Babies who are born very pre-term are at a high risk for brain, breathing, digestive problems, and death in the first few days of life. Why does pre-term labor occur?

There are no easy answers but according to Maternal-Fetal Medicine Doctor Margaret O'Hare from Wesley Medical Center.

There are some environmental factors that can increase your risk of delivering too early including no prenatal care, smoking, drinking alcohol, consuming illegal drugs and exposure to certain environmental pollutants. And there are also health issues that can cause pre-mature birth.

The symptoms of pre-term labor include contractions every ten minutes or more often, vaginal discharge, cramps, and a low dull backache. If you have these symptoms call your doctor right away and rest.