In this article, I, a mother of a 24-week premature baby, along with other mothers I met during our NICU stay, will share the main causes of premature birth based on our personal experiences. If you want to know about our 24 weeks premature baby’s story in detail.
What is Premature Birth
Premature birth refers to the delivery of a baby before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. The earlier the birth, the greater the health risks for the baby.
Reasons of Premature Birth in My Case
My Regrettable Mistake
From the early stages of my pregnancy, my body was showing alarming signs, giving me signals throughout pregnancy such as spotting and from the start of 4th month edema, but because of first pregnancy and lack of knowledge we avoided to question these unusual signs.
We Blindly Trusted Our Doctor
During my pregnancy, when I experienced spotting, I sought consultation with my gynecologist. She recommended a sonography, and the results indicated everything was normal. Assured by the doctor, I continued spotting even after the first trimester. When I expressed my concerns, the doctor sent me for another sonography, which again showed normal results. However, the doctor dismissed my worries, stating that everything was fine. But if everything was truly normal, why was I still experiencing spotting? As first-time parents, we placed our complete trust in our doctor, and unfortunately, this trust proved to be a mistake, resulting in a premature birth in our case.
Importance of Seeking Second Opinions
My body was showing alarming signs, giving me signals throughout pregnancy, we have been dissatisfied with our doctor’s assessment, but because of first pregnancy experience and lack of awareness, we just trusted our doctor and ignored all alarming signs. We should have sought a second or even a third opinion. From the early stages of pregnancy.
Later Shocking Discovery in Medical Records
After the premature birth of our baby at 24 weeks, while reviewing my medical records, I realized that my gynecologist had never documented any complications or irregularities during my pregnancy.
This suggests that during my visits, the doctor was unaware of any unusual circumstances because of the sheer volume of patients she attended to. If only these issues had been noted in my file, the doctor would have been more informed. This reason became one of the top reason for premature birth in my case. Our 24 weeks premature baby’s 103 days long NICU journey.
Travel Worsen the Situation
As first-time parents we were unaware of the severity of the situation, we decided to travel despite the circumstances. We consulted our doctor, who allowed us to embark on a journey visiting four different cities between the fourth and fifth months of pregnancy, unknowingly worsening the situation. This was another reason for a premature baby.
Common Reasons of Premature Birth: Insights from NICU Moms
During 103-day stay of my premature baby at the NICU, I had the opportunity to interact with several mothers of premature babies and learn about their reasons for premature birth. Main reasons for their premature babies were.
Overexertion During Some Event at Home
Many mothers experienced premature contractions due to overexertion during events such as festivals, marriages, engagements, or baby showers, they over exhausted themselves and could not rest properly and early contractions were started
Diabetes Chronic Health Conditions
Mothers with conditions like diabetes and gestational diabetes, who could not take care of their health and who could not keep their diabetes controlled and experienced excessive stress during pregnancy, faced early contractions and premature birth.
High Blood Pressure Reason for Premature Birth
Several women have high blood pressure during pregnancy and they could not manage stress during pregnancy, early contraction started and they have to rush to the hospital. High blood pressure can result in reduced blood flow to the placenta. Inadequate blood supply can limit the fetus’s oxygen and nutrient intake, leading to slow growth, low birth weight, or premature birth. This was the top reason for premature birth for many mothers of premature babies at the NICU where my baby was admitted.
Bleeding and Infections
Few moms were going through bleeding and spotting and some were going through urinary track infection. Bleeding beyond the first trimester can indicate placental issues like a low-lying placenta or placental abruption, both of which can cause premature birth. UTI infections are also strongly associated with premature birth. This was the main cause of premature birth for few mothers.
Uterine or Cervical Problems
Some moms of premature babies faced incompetent cervix. Issues with the uterus or cervix, such as incompetent cervix, where the cervix opens, weakens, or shortens too early in pregnancy, resulted in complications and was the reason for premature birth for many moms.
Multiple Pregnancies through IVF
Mothers who conceive multiples through in vitro fertilization (IVF) many women experience premature birth because multiples are typically born earlier than singletons.
Advice for Expecting Mothers to Prevent Preterm Birth
- Never disregard any alarming signs or unusual symptoms during pregnancy. If your body signals that something is amiss and your doctor fails to take appropriate action, seek a second opinion. If necessary, seek a third opinion if you remain dissatisfied.
- In case of pregnancy complications, consult a “Fetal Medicine Specialist” for comprehensive scans and guidance. These specialists possess expertise in studying fetuses and can provide the best advice.
- If you anticipate an imminent premature birth, select a hospital with a well-equipped NICU and the availability of ventilators for the baby’s potential needs.
- Indeed, it is crucial to prioritize your health during pregnancy, and it’s essential not to overlook your emotional well-being. Emotional health holds equal significance. Stress poses a significant risk during pregnancy, so it’s important to avoid any sources of stress and focus on maintaining both your emotional and physical well-being.
Conclusion
Taking the time to learn from the experiences of other mothers and being proactive in your own pregnancy journey can significantly contribute to minimizing the risks associated with premature birth and promoting the overall well-being of your baby. It’s important to gather information, seek advice from healthcare professionals, and engage in discussions with experienced mothers who can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Being proactive means taking an active role in managing your health throughout pregnancy. This includes attending regular prenatal check-ups, following a balanced and nutritious diet, engaging in appropriate exercise, getting sufficient rest, and practicing relaxation techniques. Prioritizing self-care and addressing any concerns promptly are vital aspects of being proactive.
Additionally, placing emphasis on emotional health is paramount. Pregnancy can bring about a range of emotions, and it’s crucial to address them openly and seek support when needed. Connecting with a support network of family, friends, or support groups can provide a valuable source of emotional support. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and