Premature birth, as the name implies, occurs when a baby arrives before the full term of pregnancy. However, premature birth carries numerous risks, so expectant mothers should begin preventing it during pregnancy. How exactly should this be done?
Risks of Premature Birth
If the fetal lungs are not fully mature at birth, the infant's lungs may not expand properly after delivery, leading to respiratory distress. In severe cases, this can be fatal.The liver of a preterm infant is underdeveloped, with an incomplete enzyme system and a deficiency in vitamin K, making them highly susceptible to bleeding. The temperature regulation center of a preterm infant is underdeveloped, they have little subcutaneous fat, and their body surface area is relatively large. Their body temperature fluctuates with changes in the external environment, generally tending to be lower. If proper warmth is not maintained, serious problems such as hard swelling and pulmonary hemorrhage can occur.Premature infants are prone to jaundice, which can sometimes be severe. Their poor sucking reflex makes feeding challenging, potentially leading to hypoglycemia. Some premature babies may even require nasogastric tube feeding. Additionally, their weakened immune systems make them susceptible to infections like pneumonia.
So, how can expectant mothers prevent preterm birth?
Methods to Prevent Preterm Birth
Adjust Your Daily Activities
If working during pregnancy, reduce the intensity of your tasks. Ideally, switch to a department with lighter physical demands or transition to part-time work for several months.If staying home, avoid strenuous chores like scrubbing floors or painting walls. Opt for lighter tasks such as ironing, folding clothes, or meal preparation. Prioritize Rest Rest is crucial for all pregnant women, especially those at risk of preterm labor. Elevate your feet while sitting in the morning and afternoon. If experiencing signs of preterm labor, rest on your left side for one hour.Increase rest periods, but prolonged bed rest is not recommended for women with preterm labor signs, as it may increase the risk of thrombotic disorders. Quit Smoking and Drinking Abandon harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Avoid negative emotions such as tension, anxiety, and depression. Maintain a cheerful and positive mental state.Ensure adequate and balanced nutrition during pregnancy. Pregnant women must meet nutritional demands for both mother and fetus. Strengthen nutritional awareness by consuming calorie-sufficient diets rich in protein, fats, carbohydrates, trace elements, and various vitamins. Picky eating may cause malnutrition, leading to fetal growth restriction and is closely linked to preterm labor.
Exercise
Walking, cycling, and other aerobic activities generally pose no issues for pregnant women. If you experience any warning signs, stop immediately and consult your OB/GYN.
Sexual Activity
Avoid intercourse during the third trimester whenever possible. If you experience cramping, contractions, or other warning signs during intercourse, stop immediately and report these symptoms to your OB/GYN.
Oral Health During Pregnancy
Periodontal disease is a common oral condition among women of childbearing age. Anaerobic bacterial infections causing periodontal disease are risk factors for miscarriage and preterm birth. Therefore, it is advisable to address any existing oral health issues before pregnancy.
Avoid Excessive Fatigue
Long-distance travel is best avoided during the third trimester to prevent uterine contractions triggered by the strain and jostling of the journey.If travel is unavoidable, inform your OB/GYN beforehand about any previous symptoms you've experienced. During the trip, make sure to stand up and walk around at least once every hour. Avoid prolonged standing or squatting. Steer clear of crowded places to prevent abdominal collisions. When walking, especially on stairs, take steady steps to prevent falls.
Prevent Infectious Diseases
Especially genital tract infections. Genital tract infections are a major factor in preterm birth. Bacteria and toxins from such infections can invade the chorion-amniotic membrane, stimulating decidual cells to produce cytotoxins and prostaglandins that trigger premature labor. Therefore, enhance perineal hygiene during pregnancy by wearing cotton, breathable underwear and avoiding indiscriminate use of cleansing solutions.Improper use of cleansers may actually cause infection.
Pregnant women experiencing increased vaginal discharge, abnormal odor, vulvar itching, or burning sensations, as well as those with high-risk factors, should undergo vaginal and cervical secretion testing or cultures at the obstetrics clinic. If infection is confirmed, antibiotic therapy targeting the specific pathogen should be administered under the guidance of an obstetrician.
A significant proportion of preterm births result from premature rupture of membranes (PROM). PROM can lead to infection, causing chorioamnionitis, which may result in intrauterine fetal infection or neonatal infection. Therefore, pregnant women with PROM should be hospitalized and receive routine antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infection.
During pregnancy, expectant mothers should pay attention to bodily changes and lifestyle habits to actively prevent preterm birth.