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Preterm delivery
Definition of premature birth date
Premature birth, compared to miscarriage and full-term birth, is defined differently. A miscarriage refers to childbirth before 28 weeks, and a full-term birth is one that occurs after 37 weeks. Births that occur between 28 weeks and 36 weeks plus 6 days are collectively referred to as premature births. During this period, the fetus is relatively larger and has a certain level of maturity, so the survival rate is relatively high. However, it still falls short when compared to full-term infants. Generally, 34 weeks is used as a boundary: infants born from 28 to 34 weeks are referred to as early preterm, while those born between 34 weeks and 36 weeks plus 6 days are considered late preterm. Therefore, premature births are divided into these two main categories. In clinical practice, if there are signs of premature birth, it is recommended to try to extend the gestational age and aim for childbirth during the late preterm period.
How many months premature can survive?
Premature infants are those born between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation. Due to the incomplete development of various organ functions, premature infants are prone to a range of complications after birth, which can be severe and may even lead to death. Generally, the survival rate of premature infants is higher if they reach at least seven months, or 28 weeks, of gestation. If premature birth is inevitable, it is recommended to seek medical care at a qualified institution with specialized neonatal resuscitation wards to enhance the chances of the infant's survival. Generally, the chances of survival significantly increase when care is received at such medical facilities.
What are the symptoms of premature birth?
Premature birth refers to delivery occurring between 28 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy. The symptoms of premature birth primarily include the following aspects: First, regular uterine contractions occur. These contractions can lead to the descent of the fetal head and exert pressure on the cervix, which is necessary for the delivery of the fetus. It generally manifests as pain every three to five minutes, with each episode of pain lasting more than one minute, and both the frequency and intensity of the pain gradually increasing. Second, the appearance of "bloody show" occurs. As the fetus descends, it can cause the rupture of capillaries at the edge of the membranes, leading to bloody show. Third, there is a noticeable feeling of heaviness or pressure. Gynecological examinations can reveal dilation of the cervix and shortening of the cervical canal. When these symptoms appear, an assessment for premature birth should be conducted, and preparations for premature delivery should be made.
Is a uterus in the mediastinum prone to preterm birth?
Women with a septate uterus, if pregnant, are much more likely to experience premature birth compared to women with a normal uterus. The normal uterine cavity size accommodates the development of the embryo until full term. However, the likelihood of premature birth varies depending on the development of the septate uterus. Once diagnosed with a septate uterus, extra caution is needed during pregnancy, especially avoiding intercourse in the late stages of pregnancy to prevent premature birth, as the risks associated with preterm infants are significantly higher than those for full-term infants. Therefore, pregnant women with a septate uterus need to pay extra attention.
Premature birth is what it means.
Preterm birth refers to giving birth before full-term pregnancy, defined as delivery occurring between 28 and 36 weeks plus 6 days of gestation. Corresponding conditions are miscarriage and full-term delivery: before 28 weeks is termed a miscarriage, while delivery after 37 weeks is termed full-term birth. Because preterm infants already possess certain vital functions, most can survive with appropriate emergency intervention and treatment. However, the risks associated with preterm birth are relatively high and depend on the specific causes of prematurity. Some premature births are due to premature rupture of membranes, while others are medically induced, for example in cases of abruptio placentae or severe preeclampsia. Therefore, it is crucial in clinical practice to provide rational treatment for preterm labor, aiming to extend the duration of pregnancy as much as possible to avoid neonatal death.
Will swollen feet during pregnancy lead to premature birth?
Swelling of the feet is a common clinical symptom after pregnancy, but generally, foot swelling is not directly related to preterm birth. However, sometimes, if pathological factors cause foot swelling, it may lead to preterm birth. The most common cause of foot swelling during pregnancy is the increased size of the uterus compressing the veins and arteries in the pelvis, causing obstruction of venous return, which leads to swelling of the feet. However, this is a physiological change and does not cause preterm birth. Pathological factors, such as hypertension during pregnancy or renal diseases during pregnancy, might cause generalized edema. If the condition is severe, medical intervention for medically induced preterm birth may be required. However, it is the primary disease that causes preterm birth, not the swelling of the feet.
How to induce lactation in premature births
The lactation induction for premature births is actually the same as for full-term births. First and foremost, it starts with the individual. Through diet, the amount of breast milk can be increased, for example, by consuming more soups, such as rice porridge, noodle soup, milk, and soy milk. Since 90% of breast milk is water, replenishing water is essential for sufficient milk supply. Additionally, it is important to keep a pleasant mood. The mother should be happy and have enough sleep, as these factors can help increase milk production. Moreover, it is important to let the baby nurse more frequently and intensively, because the act of breastfeeding stimulates the breasts as a reflex. The more frequently and the more the baby nurses, the more milk is produced through this reflex. What should one do if the baby is premature and in pediatrics? In such cases, it's necessary to pump milk every 3 hours. Pumping itself also creates stimulation that promotes milk secretion.
Is prematurity prone to jaundice?
Premature infants often exhibit jaundice. This is because during premature birth, the baby's gas distension function is not yet perfect, the liver's detoxification capabilities are relatively weak, and the ability to process bilirubin is poor. Therefore, jaundice easily occurs, and the physiological jaundice in premature infants is more severe compared to full-term infants. Due to the reduced sucking ability and swallowing reflex in premature infants and their underdeveloped intestinal function, most babies cannot be normally breastfed after birth. The increased absorption of bilirubin in the intestines exacerbates the jaundice in premature infants. It is advised for premature infants to initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible and some medications can also be used to promote liver enzyme activity.
How is preterm birth defined?
Premature birth means that the gestational period is not yet complete, and the baby is born before reaching full term, which is called preterm birth. Specifically, this ranges from more than 28 weeks but less than 37 weeks of gestation. Due to the incomplete development of premature infants, their organ functions are relatively poor. Therefore, caring for premature infants can be more challenging, often requiring pediatric care and enhanced nursing. Moreover, there are more complications, so it is important to try to prevent premature births as much as possible.
Does low amniotic fluid lead to preterm birth?
When there is too little amniotic fluid, it can potentially cause preterm labor. Insufficient amniotic fluid can lead to fetal hypoxia and asphyxia within the uterine cavity, and frequent fetal movements may induce uterine contractions leading to preterm labor. If reduced amniotic fluid is detected during an examination, it is important to promptly identify the cause and actively pursue treatment. Initially, drinking more water can help improve the condition, and water can also be directly injected into the amniotic cavity to improve the situation. If an examination reveals frequent fetal movements or a reduced fetal heart rate, indicating hypoxia, prompt intervention is needed, and if necessary, pregnancy termination may be considered.