Are the twins premature?

Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
Updated on May 31, 2025
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The likelihood of premature birth is higher in twins than in singletons, but this does not mean that all twins will be born prematurely. In the case of twins, there are two children in the uterus. Generally, the combined weight of two children is more than that of one. Additionally, there might be more amniotic fluid and a larger placental area. Therefore, the contents of the uterus occupy more volume, and when the uterus is stretched to a certain extent, its sensitivity increases. As a result, some may experience contractions and give birth prematurely before reaching 37 weeks of pregnancy.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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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.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Premature birth is how many months?

Preterm birth refers to a newborn born between 28 and less than 38 weeks of pregnancy. Moreover, at this time, the heart size is generally more than 1000 grams. There are many reasons for this occurrence, most of which are related to intrauterine infection in pregnant women, such as patients with premature rupture of membranes or chorioamnionitis are prone to preterm birth. Additionally, if there has been a previous pregnancy, abortion, with a short interval between them, or if an ultrasound detects that the cervical length is less than 25 millimeters, there is also an increased likelihood of preterm birth.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is placenta previa likely to lead to preterm birth?

Placenta previa refers to the condition where, after 28 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta reaches or covers the internal opening of the cervix. There are multiple causes for placenta previa, and its occurrence does not necessarily lead to preterm birth. Clinically, placenta previa mainly results in irregular vaginal bleeding, which increases the risk of preterm birth. Therefore, it is recommended that regular prenatal visits be conducted at a hospital when placenta previa occurs. Treatment measures should be taken based on the specific condition of the placenta, and treatment to preserve the pregnancy may be necessary at times. In cases of placenta previa, it is advisable to rest in bed as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Preterm labor signs

Premature birth refers to delivery between 28 to 36 weeks plus 6 days of pregnancy. Due to the lower body weight and immature organ development of the fetus, premature birth can lead to decreased survival rates and increased morbidity in newborns. The signs of impending premature birth include the following aspects: First, the occurrence of regular contractions, which are the most common sign of premature birth. If intermittent lower abdominal pain occurs, it should be taken seriously, and fetal heart rate monitoring may be necessary for assessment. Second, the appearance of blood in the vaginal discharge often indicates that the fetal presenting part is descending, which is also a sign of premature birth. Third, a physical examination may reveal shortening of the cervical canal and dilation of the cervix, suggesting the possibility of premature birth. When these conditions occur, they should be taken seriously, and medication may be necessary for treatment. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How many weeks early can a premature baby survive?

Preterm birth refers to births that occur after 28 weeks of pregnancy but before 37 weeks. Preterm infants have lower resistance compared to full-term infants and generally require special care to survive. The survival rate varies with the gestational age: at 32 to 33 weeks, the survival rate can reach 95%; at 28 to 31 weeks, it is between 90% and 95%; at 26 weeks, it is around 80%; and at 27 weeks, it is about 90%. After 34 weeks of pregnancy, the survival rate of the baby is very high, almost the same as that of a full-term baby.