Is premature birth hereditary?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on September 17, 2024

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Premature birth is not hereditary. There are many causes of premature birth, including reasons associated with the pregnant woman herself, such as hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy, as well as concurrent conditions like chronic nephritis and hyperthyroidism, which can lead to premature birth. Additionally, premature birth can be caused by a relaxed cervix, poor uterine development, congenital uterine malformations, and uterine fibroids. Furthermore, trauma to the abdomen during pregnancy, long-distance and prolonged travel, fatigue, and excessive emotional fluctuations can also lead to premature birth. Therefore, these factors related to premature birth are not associated with genetics.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

50sec

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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

1min 8sec

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How many weeks early can a premature baby survive?

In clinical practice, infants born after 28 weeks but before 37 weeks of pregnancy are considered preterm. The survival rate of these babies varies; the earlier the birth, the lower the likelihood of survival. Clinically, babies born at 23 weeks have a 17% chance of survival; those born at 24 weeks have a 39% survival rate; at 25 weeks, the rate is 50%; at 26 weeks, it increases to 80%; and at 27 weeks, it rises to about 90%. Babies born between 28 and 31 weeks have an even higher survival rate, approximately 95%; and from 32 to 33 weeks, the survival chances are comparable to those of full-term babies. Records indicate that the earliest preterm baby to survive was born at 21 weeks and five days, in Canada.

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Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

40sec

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Is premature birth prone to cerebral palsy?

Under normal circumstances, not all preterm infants will develop cerebral palsy. Preterm babies are more susceptible due to their immature organ systems compared to full-term babies. If they face poor adaptation to the environment during or after childbirth, it can increase the likelihood of developing cerebral palsy. However, this does not mean that cerebral palsy will occur in all cases. Furthermore, since the brain development system is not fully mature in preterm infants, conditions such as brain hypoxia may occur, which can affect the brain and contribute to the development of cerebral palsy.

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Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

41sec

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Does a low-lying placenta cause preterm birth?

In cases of placenta previa, there is also a certain risk of preterm birth. Generally, in the late stages of pregnancy, a persistent low-lying placenta may have some impact on the development of the placenta and embryo. Excessive physical activity or normal daily activities may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Long-term blood clots pressing on the cervix can also promote cervical dilation and lead to preterm birth. Therefore, it is generally necessary to rest in bed and avoid excessive exercise after placenta previa occurs, in order to reduce the risk of bleeding.

home-news-image

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

47sec

home-news-image

Is premature birth hereditary?

Premature birth is not hereditary. There are many causes of premature birth, including reasons associated with the pregnant woman herself, such as hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy, as well as concurrent conditions like chronic nephritis and hyperthyroidism, which can lead to premature birth. Additionally, premature birth can be caused by a relaxed cervix, poor uterine development, congenital uterine malformations, and uterine fibroids. Furthermore, trauma to the abdomen during pregnancy, long-distance and prolonged travel, fatigue, and excessive emotional fluctuations can also lead to premature birth. Therefore, these factors related to premature birth are not associated with genetics.