Premature Birth

Premature birth

Premature birth is a pressing problem and therefore we need to talk about it seriously. It is clear that such serious conversations do not cheer up the expectant mother. But there is also no reason to be sour. Still, the likelihood of giving birth on time is much higher than giving birth prematurely. In addition, premature birth can be prevented.

We asked Boldareva, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Mother and Child clinic, to answer the most frequently asked questions about premature birth.

Which births should be considered premature?

Premature birth is a birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Due to the peculiarities of obstetric tactics, it is advisable to identify the following intervals in which labor can begin:

1. premature birth at 22 weeks gestation;
2. premature birth at 22 - 27 weeks;
3. premature birth at 28 - 33 weeks;
4. premature birth at 34 - 37 weeks.

What are the main causes of premature birth?

The first group of the most common causes are complications of this pregnancy and obstetric and gynecological pathology in the woman’s history.

The second group of reasons is extragenital (not obstetric-gynecological) pathology of the expectant mother. The leading positions in this group are occupied by: endocrinopathies, acute infections, kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases.

What is isthmic-cervical insufficiency?

One of the most common causes of premature birth is isthmic-cervical insufficiency (ICI) - inferiority of the muscular layer of the cervix, which, during a normal pregnancy, plays the role of a kind of sphincter that does not allow the embryo to leave the uterine cavity.

What factors can contribute to premature birth?

In addition to the main reasons, a number of factors can contribute to premature birth: stress, unsettled family life, low social level, hard work, poor nutrition, age, fever, varicose veins.

How does premature labor begin?

According to clinical manifestations, preterm labor can be either threatening or incipient. If threatening - pain in the lower abdomen or lower back. When the pain begins, it intensifies and becomes cramping in nature.

What to do if there is a threat of premature birth?

Emergency obstetric care is required. Before her arrival, take a horizontal position, drink a sedative, and do not panic.

Where to go if premature labor begins?

To specialized perinatal centers, where they provide care for premature births and newborns.

Thus, premature birth is a serious problem, but if you seek medical help in a timely manner, its consequences can be minimized. The main thing is to remain calm and positive.