One of your biggest dreams as an expectant mother is to bring a healthy baby into this world. Therefore, it is natural to feel a little anxious about the possibility of a preterm delivery (giving birth before the due date, i.e., before 39 weeks). However, while we cannot control everything, there are many things we can do on our part to reduce this risk. Let's talk about that today, shall we?
What is Prenatal Care? Why is it important?
Simply put, prenatal care is the monitoring of your and your baby's health from the moment you find out you are pregnant until the baby is born. This is very important. As soon as you know you are pregnant, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to start this care. After that, you must attend every scheduled clinic visit. This is how any problems for you or the baby can be identified and treated early. During these clinics, many things such as your weight, blood pressure, and the baby's growth are checked. You will also be given necessary advice and vitamins.
Things you can do to prevent preterm birth
Alright then, let's see what we can do to prevent the baby from being born early. If you follow these things properly, you can significantly reduce the risk. You may already be doing some of these, but it's good to be a little more careful.
Manage health issues
You may have pre-existing health issues. For example, conditions like Diabetes Mellitus, High Blood Pressure, or Thyroid diseases. It is very important to manage these conditions properly during pregnancy. Otherwise, it can affect the baby and can also be a reason for preterm birth. Therefore, take your prescribed medications strictly according to medical advice and follow a healthy diet. Also, do not forget to inform your doctor if you have any other illnesses.
Avoid bad habits
This doesn't need to be said, does it? Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs are not good at all during this time. These are harmful to your body as well as to the little one in your womb. These bad habits can hinder the baby's growth, cause various complications, lead to the birth of a low-birth-weight baby, or even cause preterm birth. If you are a smoker, ask for help to quit. If people around you smoke, it is important to stay away from that smoke as well.
Healthy diet and exercise
You need to be very careful about what you eat and drink during this time. Add more nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains (e.g., red rice, finger millet), and lean meats (e.g., chicken, fish) to your diet. Also, only if your doctor says it is 'okay', it is good to engage in light exercises that suit you. Something like walking is enough. Strenuous exercises or heavy lifting are not suitable for this time.
“However, remember that it is also important to gain weight within the recommended range during this time. Being too thin or gaining too much weight is not good. Your doctor will tell you what the healthy weight range is for your height and how much weight you should gain. Eating a balanced diet is the most important thing.”
Protect yourself from infections
There is a higher chance of getting various infections during pregnancy. Some of these can also affect the baby. So, how do we protect ourselves?
- Wash your hands frequently with soap. Especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after handling animals.
- Avoid eating raw meat, raw fish, undercooked eggs, unpasteurized cheese, and milk. These can spread diseases.
- Get recommended vaccinations, such as the Tetanus vaccine, on time.
- Using condoms is important to protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), especially if you do not have a permanent partner or if your partner has risky behaviors.
- At certain times, there is talk about viruses like the Zika virus. Be aware of such things and follow methods to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Protecting yourself from diseases like Dengue is also very important during this time.
Reduce stress
Keeping your mind relaxed is also very important during this time. Sometimes, financial problems, family issues, work stress, or various worries can put pressure on your mind. However, remember that your mental health also affects the baby. Excessive stress can also be a cause for preterm birth. Therefore,
- Ask for help from family, your partner, and friends.
- Talk to someone you trust about your problems. Do not keep them bottled up inside.
- Do things that make you happy as much as possible. Read a book, listen to music, practice light meditation, or do some light gardening.
- If necessary, you can also seek the help of a counselor. There is nothing to be ashamed of.
What are other risk factors for preterm birth?
In addition to what we discussed earlier, there are other factors that increase the risk of preterm birth. Let's see what they are:
- Overweight or Obesity: It is important to manage your weight both before and during pregnancy.
- Previous Preterm Birth: If you have had a baby born prematurely before, the risk is slightly higher this time. You should inform your doctor about this.
- Multiple Pregnancy like Twins or Triplets: There is a higher chance of preterm birth when carrying more than one baby.
- Certain issues with the Uterus, Cervix, or Vagina: Some women may have conditions (e.g., cervical insufficiency) that can lead to preterm birth.
- Infections like STDs or Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Such infections can also be a cause for preterm birth. That is why we emphasized protecting yourself from infections. UTIs are common during pregnancy, so be mindful of that.
- A recent pregnancy (less than 18 months apart): There is also a risk when pregnancies occur in close succession. The body needs time to recover.
- Severe life stressors such as unemployment, domestic violence, or extreme financial difficulties: The mental stress caused by these situations can also have an impact.
Talk to your doctor if you have such risks
Suppose you have one or more of these risk factors. In that case, do not hide anything and talk openly with your doctor. Often, your doctor can help you.
For example, mothers who have had a preterm birth before are sometimes given injections or pills containing the hormone Progesterone to reduce the risk of another preterm birth. Also, if there is an infection, appropriate antibiotics can be prescribed. For those with cervical issues, a minor procedure (cervical cerclage) may sometimes be performed.
Not only that, if you are struggling with substance abuse, financial difficulties, or other social issues, your doctor can refer you to appropriate counselors or social workers. Remember, you are not alone; help is available. These services are provided free of charge at government hospitals in Sri Lanka.
Take-Home Message
So, to you as an expectant mother, while it may not be possible to completely prevent a preterm birth, there is much we can do on our part.
- Ensure you receive proper prenatal care. Do not miss your clinic appointments. Follow all the advice given by your doctor.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eat nutritious food, give up harmful habits, and engage in exercise as advised by your doctor.
- Discuss your risk factors with your doctor and seek necessary treatment and guidance. Do not hide anything.
- Keep your mind at ease. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
The well-being of you and your baby is more important than anything else. Therefore, please be mindful of these points. We sincerely wish you a healthy pregnancy and a full-term delivery!
Tags: Pregnancy, Childbirth, Preterm Birth, Prenatal Care, Health, Infections, Stress
