From the moment we find out we're pregnant, we – especially as new mothers – worry about every little thing. One of our biggest fears is that our baby will be born too early, before it's strong enough to cope in this world.
It's perfectly normal to have these fears and anxieties. The reality is that premature births can happen. I'm a mom here at Rookie, and my firstborn was born at 35 weeks (6 weeks early). So, he was a late preterm baby. Thankfully, he was a very strong and healthy boy, and he developed well. But it can be very different. I'd like to share some of my experiences with you and also talk about the signs you should look out for.
There are different types of premature births, depending on how far along the baby is at birth. Premature babies typically face several medical problems and developmental challenges.
- Late preterm birth : born between 34 and 36 completed weeks of pregnancy
- Moderate preterm birth : born between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation
- Severe preterm birth: born in less than 32 weeks of pregnancy
- Extremely premature birth: born in the 25th week of pregnancy or earlier
Some things you can expect with a premature baby:
- Small size
- Fine hair that covers the body and normally falls out after birth.
- Low body temperature
- Breathing problems
- Difficulties with reflexes such as sucking and swallowing
causes
The causes of premature birth are not always known, but there are some important factors that can increase the risk:- A past premature birth
- Stressful life events
- Some internal infections or problems related to the cervix, uterus, and placenta
- Physical injuries or trauma
- Smoking or drinking during pregnancy
