World Prematurity Day: 6 causes of preterm birth and how to prevent this

Every year, an alarming number of babies are born prematurely across the globe, encountering a host of health issues and potential long-term developmental hurdles. These early arrivals often face significant challenges, including respiratory problems, difficulty feeding, and increased infection vulnerability. To shine a light on the critical issues surrounding preterm birth and the vital role of timely medical interventions, World Prematurity Day is observed annually on November 17th. This day serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the various causes that can lead to premature births, as well as effective strategies for prevention, fostering a greater understanding of this important health concern.

What is preterm birth?

Preterm birth, also known as premature birth, is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, as found in a study published in the journal Vaccine. A full-term gestation usually lasts about 40 weeks. Babies born prematurely often face a range of health challenges as their organs and systems may not be fully developed. “These challenges can include respiratory problems, difficulty in maintaining body temperature, feeding challenges, and an increased risk of infections,” says neonatologist and pediatrician Dr R. Kishore Kumar. The earlier a baby is born, the greater the risk of complications and long-term health issues, the baby may face.

6 common causes of preterm birth

Various factors can contribute to preterm birth, as found in the World Health Oganization:

1. Maternal health conditions: Infections like urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections, chronic illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure, and pregnancy complcations like preeclampsia or placenta previa can increase the risk.
2. Multiple pregnancies: Carrying twins, triplets, or more babies puts additional stress on the uterus and can lead to early labor.
3. Medical procedures: Certain medical procedures, such as cervical cerclage or in vitro fertilization (IVF), may increase the risk of preterm birth.
4. Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use during pregnancy can significantly increase the risk of preterm birth.
5. Uterine or cervical problems: Structural abnormalities of the uterus or cervix, such as a weak cervix or previous uterine surgery, can contribute to early labour.
6. Unknown causes: In many cases, the exact cause of preterm birth remains unknown, even after a thorough medical evaluation.