Any baby born before 37 weeks gestation is considered premature. The typical pregnancy, or gestation period, lasts about 40 weeks. A pre-term baby may require special medical assistance and monitoring but depending on how early she comes, she will likely live a normal life. FamilyDoctor.org suggests that some babies need special care for the first two years of life. This is most likely with infants weighing less than three pounds at delivery.
Causes
A mother who begins labor prior to the 37th week of her pregnancy is said to be in pre-term labor. This can be the result of numerous factors, some of which are out of her control. KidsHealth.org points out that a mother who smokes, drinks alcohol, uses drugs, eats poorly, gains too little weight, is exposed to physical stress or experiences any other undesirable prenatal event is at a higher risk of pre-term labor. Other uncontrollable events that lead to premature labor include hormone imbalance, uterine abnormalities, chronic illness, infection, age of the mother and multiple fetuses.
Warning Signs
When a woman suspects she is in labor she should contact her health care provider. Braxton-Hicks contractions, sometimes described as practice contractions, can begin well before a baby is full-term but these do not indicate real labor. Braxton-Hicks may cause pressure instead of pain in the uterus and go away if the mother rests or changes position. Real labor contractions will repeat in a consistent pattern until they get longer-lasting, closer together and stronger. The American Pregnancy Association suggests a low, dull backache that comes and goes or is constant may indicate premature labor. Other possible warning signs include leaking water, menstrual cramps in the lower abdomen, pelvic pressure that feels as if the baby is being pressed down, increased vaginal discharge and abdominal cramping with or without diarrhea.
Prevention
When possible, health care professionals can attempt to stop premature labor and recommend bed rest for the mother to allow the baby more time to develop in the womb. This is done with intravenous magnesium sulfate according to the American Pregnancy Association. Drinking plenty of water, resting on the left side and trying to relax are methods a mother can attempt to calm contractions and determine if they are true labor signs. When necessary a mother will be given an oral medication to decrease the frequency of contractions. When birth is imminent, a corticosteroid is often given to accelerate the development of the baby's lungs and brain. Bed rest and following the doctor's orders can successfully stop labor and allow the baby to mature to at least 37 weeks or longer.
Infant Effects
An infant born prior to 24 weeks has about a 50 percent chance at surviving according to the American Pregnancy Association. Infants who survive may have permanent problems including lung and brain defects. Babies born after 32 weeks have a greater chance at survival but some will remain in the hospital neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU.
Considerations
An infant born prematurely will likely receive breathing assistance and be kept in an incubator to help regulate body temperature. MayoClinic.com points out that feeding an infant may be more challenging, which can lead to intravenous nutrition. It is possible for the baby to have developmental delays, learning disabilities and have impaired vision or hearing.
When a premature baby is sent home, there may be therapy or special monitoring steps the caregivers must follow to help the baby develop. When the baby is born well before 37 weeks she may spend more time in the hospital. A baby born closer to 37 weeks may be sent home within a few days but caregivers should understand the infant's development will not be the same as a baby born full term.
