Preterm

A preterm birth occurs when a child is born earlier than expected, usually less than thirty-seven weeks. A preterm baby has the following characteristics: extremely low birth weight, small size, and underdeveloped body parts. While normal babies weigh between 5.5 pounds and 8.9 pounds, preterm babies weigh less than 5.5 pounds and sometimes much lower. Preterm babies have difficulty keeping warm because they have not yet developed enough body fat. This may result in complications, such as pneumonia. A preterm baby is at risk of developing eyesight problems, hearing difficulties, cerebral palsy, and even stunted development. Causes of preterm births include infections during pregnancy, such as vaginal and urinary tract infections; certain medications taken during pregnancy; and conditions of the mother, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight issues (whether too low or too high). Mothers should strive to eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet during pregnancy so that the baby can develop properly. They should avoid alcohol and tobacco to minimize the chances of a preterm birth. Adequate water intake and regular exercise will help maintain the vitality of the mother’s body organs. Regular checkups will help curb unexpected health conditions that could put the mother and baby at risk.