Pregnancy Check: Preventing Premature Delivery
While it’s one of the most exciting experiences in a woman’s life, pregnancy can also be an overwhelming one. A lot can happen, and sad developments such as preterm labor and threatened abortion are always a possibility. Here’s a short feature on premature delivery and ways on how to prevent it.
When a Birth is Premature
For a baby to be born healthy, it needs about 40 weeks in the womb to grow and develop. A birth is premature when it happens after week 20 to before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Sadly, the earlier premature birth happens, the greater the health risks for the baby. Premature babies will also need special care and attention in the neonatal intensive care unit as soon as they’re born, and this has cost implications.
The specific cause of preterm labor or premature delivery is not clear, but there are certain risk factors to keep an eye out for.
- Premature delivery of a previous pregnancy
- Twin pregnancy or multiple pregnancy
- Current or past health problems concerning the uterus or cervix
Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as indulging on junk food, smoking, and skipping doctor appointments would also increase a pregnant woman’s risk for premature delivery, or worse, miscarriage.
Reducing the Risk of Premature Delivery
The best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy with minimized chances of problems such as premature delivery is to keep you and the baby healthy! Here are ways to ensure your health and your baby’s.
Eat Right, Not More
You don’t need to ‘eat for two’, you need to have more of the nutrients that your baby needs for healthy and optimal development. Stay away from foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat as these have little to no contributions to you and your baby’s health. Munch on these healthy eats instead:
- fruits and veggies of different types and colors
- dairy food such as milk and yogurt for protein and calcium
- iron-rich foods such as lean meat
- eggs for choline, a nutrient for brain health and development
- salmon which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids
Doctor-Approved Medications & Supplementation
Vitamins and minerals support maternal and fetal growth at every stage of pregnancy. While some women are able to meet nutritional needs through a well-planned diet, others need support through supplementation. Progesterone, for example, is a hormone that’s important to keep the uterus in good condition during the pregnancy. If progesterone levels are too low, the uterus may have problems carrying the baby to term.
But don’t just buy any bottle of prenatal supplement. Always seek the advice of your doctor for the best prenatal multivitamin that suits your health needs.
Regular e-Consultation with MD
It can be extra challenging with the global threat of COVID-19 looming around, but regular check-ups with your MD is a must. Prenatal care is important for both you and your baby’s health. In fact, when a mother doesn’t get prenatal care, her baby is likely to have a low birth weight.
In order to ensure the best health conditions for both mother and baby during pregnancy, the World Health Organization recommends antenatal care. Provided and administered by skilled healthcare professionals, antenatal care includes the following components:
- risk identification
- prevention and management of pregnancy-related diseases
- health education and promotion
Even with safety guidelines and protocols in public establishments, leaving home during the COVID-19 period is a risk. The good news is that there are clinics, health communities and experts who are available online to assist you.
For the best options on pregnancy care or for more information on keeping the pregnancy healthy and preventing premature delivery, always consult your obstetrician.
Sources:
https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/preterm-labor-and-premature-birth-are-you-at-risk.aspx#
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/healthy-pregnancy
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/supplements-during-pregnancy
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/low-progesterone#low-progesterone
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