Does low amniotic fluid lead to preterm birth?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on February 23, 2025
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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
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Does premature birth affect intelligence?

Premature birth generally does not affect a baby's intellectual development, as the brain is mostly well-developed by the time of premature birth, and intelligence is not greatly affected. With appropriate nutrition post-birth, the intelligence of premature babies can generally recover to that of average children. However, if the baby experiences intrauterine hypoxia during premature birth, this can affect the brain cells and may even lead to cerebral palsy. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor the baby's diet and neurological responsiveness if premature birth occurs. If there are concerns, a hospital check-up can be conducted to promptly identify any issues with the child.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Is it normal for a premature baby to weigh more than five jin?

If the newborn is currently premature and weighs a bit over five jin (approximately 2.5 kilograms), it is generally considered within the normal range. Typically, if a newborn weighs more than 2500 grams, it is considered a full-term birth weight and there are no abnormalities. Therefore, if the newborn's weight is within the normal range after birth and there are no abnormalities in the development of the organs, it is possible to observe temporarily without the need for an incubator. It is also crucial to closely monitor the various vital signs of the newborn and pay attention to normal feeding and care.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Premature rupture of membranes caused by

The main cause of premature rupture of membranes leading to preterm birth is infection of the reproductive tract, including vaginitis and cervicitis. These inflammations can ascend along the vagina and uterus, affecting the amniotic membrane and leading to its damage, which causes premature rupture of the membrane. Therefore, women should receive timely treatment for any gynecological infections before or during pregnancy, and should not take them lightly. Additionally, high pressure in the amniotic cavity, such as with multiple pregnancies or excessive amniotic fluid, can exceed the tolerance of the amniotic membrane and cause it to rupture prematurely. Moreover, physical trauma to the mother, sexual intercourse during pregnancy with excessive movement, or improper amniocentesis can also lead to premature rupture of the membranes.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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How is premature birth defined?

Preterm birth is defined in relation to miscarriage and full-term birth. A birth before 28 weeks of pregnancy is considered a miscarriage; a birth after 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered full-term; and a birth between 28 weeks and 36 weeks and six days is considered preterm. Since preterm birth occurs in the late stages of pregnancy, the fetus has a certain chance of survival. However, efforts should be made to delay the timing of preterm birth as much as possible to increase the survival rate of the fetus. It is generally believed that births between 28 and 34 weeks are considered early preterm, during which the survival probability of the fetus is relatively low; whereas births after 34 weeks up to 36 weeks and six days are considered late preterm, during which the maturity of the fetus is higher and the survival rate is also relatively high.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can premature birth be natural delivery?

Whether a vaginal delivery is possible in the case of preterm labor depends on the condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus, including the woman's birth canal, labor strength, the size and position of the fetus, among other factors. Generally, during a medical visit, a doctor will measure the woman's pelvis to roughly determine whether vaginal delivery is feasible. Women who experience preterm labor should go to the hospital for timely medical care and choose a hospital equipped for emergency services. If preterm delivery occurs, the baby's respiratory function may be relatively weak, necessitating the use of special equipment to assist breathing.