Preterm birth and premature babies are topics that deserve attention due to their significance in the field of infant health. While a full-term pregnancy allows sufficient time for the baby to gain essential weight and fully develop organs, it is alarming to note that approximately one in 10 infants in the United States is born prematurely, falling short of reaching important developmental and fetal growth milestones. Premature birth is defined as the delivery of a baby three weeks before the estimated due date. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon has greatly improved within the healthcare community over the past decade, resulting in a steady decline in the number of premature births.
Understanding Preterm or Premature Births
In a typical pregnancy, the gestation period is 40 weeks. However, when a baby is born before the 37th week, it is considered a premature birth. These infants are noticeably smaller compared to full-term babies, with an average weight of around seven pounds, 14 ounces. In contrast, a baby born at 35 weeks gestation weighs approximately two to three pounds less.
Most preterm births occur during the late preterm stage, which is between 34 and 36 weeks. In some cases, babies may be born extremely prematurely, even before the 25th week of pregnancy. Despite the challenges associated with such early births, the survival rate of premature infants in developed countries is considerably high. This is largely due to advancements in modern technologies and specialized pediatric medical fields that specifically cater to the needs of premature babies.
Types of Preterm Births
Preterm births can be categorized into two types: those that occur due to early onset of labor or a premature rupture of the amniotic sac, and those that are induced by a physician. Various factors such as stressful life events, drug use, and complications with the uterus or placenta can contribute to the occurrence of preterm births. Spontaneous preterm labor can also be triggered by congenital disabilities or excessive amniotic fluid. In situations where the health of the mother or fetus is at risk, doctors may choose to induce labor. Reasons for inducing labor before the due date include preeclampsia, a condition characterized by extremely high blood pressure, or errors in estimating the due date.