Premature Birth: Effects of Delivery Before 37 Weeks
Medically reviewed by Peter Weiss, MD
Premature birth (preterm birth) occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks gestation (weeks of pregnancy). Babies born prematurely (sometimes called preemies) may have a higher risk of certain health problems than babies born around their due date.
In the United States, about 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely. Depending on how early a baby is born, they may have breathing, digestion, and brain development issues.
This article discusses premature birth, including the effects on the baby and the birthing parent.
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Learn More: Preterm Labor: How Many Weeks Is Early?
Weeks Considered Premature Birth: How Early Can a Baby Be Born?
Healthcare providers measure pregnancy development in weeks. A full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. Birth before 37 weeks is considered premature. There are three categories of premature birth, which include:
Extremely preterm: Born before 28 weeks
Very preterm: Born between 28 and 32 weeks
Moderate to late preterm: Born between 32 and 37 weeks
Risks of Premature Birth: Effect on Infant
There are several potential health risks for premature infants. The risks usually increase the earlier a baby is born.
A premature baby may experience one or several of the following health issues:
Respiratory distress syndrome: Occurs when the lungs are immature and lack surfactant (the liquid that opens the lungs after birth)
Apnea: Happens when a baby’s breathing stops for more than 15 seconds, which often leads to the heart rate falling to a low level (bradycardia)
Anemia: Occurs when there are not enough red blood cells in the blood to carry oxygen throughout the body
Infections: Caused by an underdeveloped immune system, posing serious risk of infection, including sepsis
Intraventricular hemorrhage: Occurs when there is bleeding into the fluid-filled spaces in the brain
Jaundice: When a premature baby’s skin and eyes appear yellow, caused by too much bilirubin in the blood
Necrotizing enterocolitis: Serious digestive issues may occur when the tissue in the intestines is injured and starts to die
Patent ductus arteriosus: A heart condition that happens when the ductus arteriosus (blood vessel in the heart) doesn’t close after birth
Retinopathy of prematurity: Occurs when the eyes don’t fully develop
Learn More: Preemie Health Issues
Risks of Premature Birth: Effect on Birthing Parent
The birthing parent is also at an increased risk of health issues. Because premature babies often require immediate medical treatment, the birthing parent may not have physical contact with their baby after birth. New parents are often encouraged to hold their babies and try skin-to-skin contact, which may not be possible after premature birth.
One study found that parents are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and poor well-being after premature birth. They are also less likely to experience feelings of attachment and connectedness with their babies.
What Causes Premature Birth?
The cause of premature birth is unknown, but several risk factors play a role. When a pregnant person is diagnosed with any of the following conditions, their risk of premature birth increases:
Infection in the amniotic membranes, vagina, or urinary tract
Placenta previa (low-lying placenta)
Placental abruption (placenta separates from the uterus)
Underweight or not gaining weight
Explainer
Risk factors for premature labor and birth include:
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Blood-clotting problems
Age (younger than 18 or older than 35)
Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
Stress, working long hours
Lack of social support
Domestic violence
Exposure to certain pollutants
Tobacco or substance use
Symptoms of Premature Birth
If you are pregnant, you may be unsure what it will feel like to go into labor. See a healthcare provider immediately if you experience any signs of labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Symptoms of premature birth may include:
Contractions: The abdomen tightens at regular intervals.
Vaginal discharge: Fluid or blood is leaking from the vagina.
Pelvic pressure: You can feel the baby’s head pushing down.
Backache: A dull ache in the lower back area may occur.
Abdominal cramping: Cramping in the lower abdomen may happen with or without diarrhea.
Interventions to Treat Premature Birth Complications
The treatment plan for a premature baby depends on the health problems they are experiencing and how early they are born. Many premature babies require neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care.
In the NICU, specially-trained doctors and nurses monitor babies for changes. A neonatologist is a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of premature babies.
Common interventions provided in the NICU include:
Infant warmer: A small bed with a heater
Incubator: A heated bed surrounded by a rigid plastic container
Feeding support: Pumped milk or formula may be given through a tube
Fortified formula: Special baby formula that contains a specific amount of proteins and fats
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN): A mix of nutrients like proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals given intravenously (through an IV)
Controllable and Uncontrollable Prevention Factors
Many risk factors for premature birth cannot be changed and are not your fault. For instance, you have no control over your age or family history. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with a healthcare provider about managing your condition while pregnant.
Focus on the factors within your control to lower your risk of premature birth. When you have a positive pregnancy test, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) and certified nurse midwives are specially trained to monitor and treat pregnant people. Follow up with regular prenatal care appointments and support your overall health with good nutrition. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and substances.
How Long Do Preemies Stay in the Hospital?
A baby’s length of stay in the hospital depends on their weight, ability to breathe independently, feeding habits, and medical needs. A premature baby is usually ready to go home when they weigh more than 4 pounds. They must also be able to eat on their own, breathe with no issues, and regulate their temperature. A premature baby must also consistently gain weight before they can safely go home.
Coming Home After Premature Birth
Bringing a premature baby home after being in the hospital is overwhelming. They may require special medical care, such as a feeding tube or phototherapy blanket.
Most premature babies need extra checkups with their healthcare provider, especially when they first come home from the hospital. During these appointments, your child’s pediatrician will monitor their growth, speech development, muscle tone, and motor skills.
Takeaway
Premature babies are not the only ones who need extra care after being hospitalized. Birthing parents need rest, healthy food, and plenty of water. They also need a chance to take a break and time for gentle physical activity. It is common to experience symptoms of anxiety or depression after birth. Consider meeting with a therapist to get the support you need.
Summary
Premature birth refers to childbirth that happens before a person reaches 37 weeks of pregnancy. When a baby is born prematurely, they have a higher risk of experiencing health problems like breathing issues, digestion problems, and developmental delays. Babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy are at a higher risk of these problems.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
