A normal healthy baby is born after the completion of nine months or 40 weeks of pregnancy. A baby that is born before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy stands the risk of being premature and having Low birth weight. Those that are born prior to 32 weeks of gestation are termed as very premature babies.
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Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight and Premature Babies
The main causes of a preterm labour are however not firmly established. What researches emphasize is that a mother may be prone to delivering a premature and a Low birth weight infant, if earlier she had delivered a Premature Baby. Also, an infection of the uterine or cervical region during pregnancy or even expecting multiple births could be a triggering factor for such a birth. But, more clinical trials are required to support the above mentioned reasons and thereby arrive at rigid conclusions. |
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A pregnant mother’s clinical condition could also serve a major concern for a normal healthy birth of a child. It is believed that conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac ailments and malfunctioning of any other vital organ like kidney can contribute to a premature birth. A premature birth is also likely to be associated with birth defects and a history of abortions. As per few research studies, sticking to vices like alcohol and smoking tobacco during pregnancy have resulted in increased rates of Low birth weight and premature babies.
During pregnancy, placental problems can diminish the blood flow and supply of nutrients to the foetus hindering its growth. Also, poor weight gain in the mother when pregnant can be contributing to the baby being born with low weight. An average weight gain during pregnancy is around 12 kgs.
A research published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology highlights the well known fact that any kind of physical and psychological stress in pregnant women can lead to adverse birth outcomes. Pregnant women who are involved in working continually for long hours, in shifts or even short term contracts have to cope up with the increased demands at workplace. This in turn may increase the likelihood of small and premature babies.
Health Implications
Low birth weight i.e. (weighing less than 2,500 gms) could make an individual prone to various illnesses in early and adult life. During the infant period, premature babies experience difficulties in breathing, feeding and gaining adequate weight. As they grow older they may become susceptible to developing chronic diseases. These include Diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, heart diseases, intestinal and digestive problems. Some may also develop cerebral palsy and even exhibit developmental and learning disabilities.
Low birth weight should not always be associated only with premature babies. Even babies that are born full term may be weighing less than the normal standard weight but they may be healthy. These babies are however known as small for gestational age babies or growth restricted. In these cases, genetics could be one dominant reason or any other factor that may have stopped or slowed down the growth of the foetus in the womb.
Prevention
It becomes imperative to see for a preconception session as well as keep up regularly with the Prenatal checkups with the healthcare provider. Your doctor would thus be able to detect the presence of any complications during the early stages of pregnancy and come up with effective strategies to combat them. In the process, you would also learn about the importance of necessary vaccinations to be taken during pregnancy and the role of good nutrition. Also, to be aware of the safest set of medications that can be taken after your doctor’s approval. He may also emphasize regular intake of nutrients like folic acid and iron during pregnancy, in supplements as well as from the food sources.
| A grave fact: Prematurity still exists as a major threat in pregnant women with unpredictable risk factors. This is why only a small number of them can be benefitted. |
However as per the study released by the National Institute of Health, research experts advocate that injections of Hormone Progesterone can minimize the risk of preterm delivery. Thus, mothers who earlier have had a Premature Baby can probably avert the same risk next time thereby sustaining a longer pregnancy.
This certainly marks a new dawn in all the conjoined efforts and attempts, that are solely been directed towards dealing with any kind of serious complications in pregnant women. |
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