Incredible yet worrisome, pregnancy brings about worry among expectant mothers. Preterm birth, the birth before reaching the 37th week of pregnancy, raises questions and concerns. Though various measures could be taken during pregnancy to prevent preterm birth.
There’s no specific answer to the important question of preterm birth prevention; however, acquiring healthy patterns and being on good terms with the doctor is the key to successful pregnancy.
There are five healthy actions every mother should undertake during pregnancy.
Understanding Preterm Birth: Why Prevention Starts Early
Preterm birth introduces complications that will haunt a person for a long time. Developing healthy habits to be confident in pregnancy won’t lead to preterm birth.
A great number of complications can either be eliminated from the beginning or reduced in severity through timely check-ups and prescriptions. That is why early treatment and preventive measures prove to be the best option.
1. Book Your First Prenatal Visit as Soon as You Know You’re Pregnant
It is widely believed by many women that visits to the doctor during pregnancy are unnecessary because they are “fine”.
However, prenatal services early in pregnancy play vital roles, some of which include:
- Confirming pregnancy and determining the expected date of delivery
- Screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid diseases, and other infections
- Identifying of multiple pregnancies
- Recommending vitamins and vaccinations.
- Identifying the risks of premature labor.
According to several health recommendations, one should take advantage of prenatal services as soon as possible, ideally before the first trimester.
Advice for Patients
Do not miss your prenatal appointments regardless of how you feel; many complications might arise without clear symptoms.
2. Prioritize Nutrition and Take Prenatal Vitamins Daily
Avoiding preterm labor starts with one important piece of advice: nutrition. The reason is that your unborn baby is dependent on you to get the essential nutrients needed for normal growth in the womb.
The meal plan should include the following:
- Lean protein
- Whole grains
- Fruits and vegetables
- Milk or milk products
- Healthy fat in the form of nuts and seeds.
Moreover, don’t forget to take prenatal vitamins every day, which include folic acid and iron. Drinking enough water is crucial too, as it is important for blood circulation and production of amniotic fluid.
3. Quit Smoking, Avoid Alcohol, and Stay Away from Harmful Substances
Your lifestyle can have an impact on your pregnancy.
Smoking, drinking, using illegal drugs, or even being around secondhand smoke can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth. The use of tobacco is especially harmful since it denies the unborn child oxygen and causes problems with the placenta.
If quitting is too hard for you, do not hesitate to ask your physician for help. There are many programs available specifically for women to help them get rid of the dependence.
Note that it takes not only illegal substances to make a pregnant woman’s pregnancy difficult. Certain commonplace medications and natural supplements can also be dangerous in case if one does not use them the right way. Always consult your physician first before taking any medication.
4. Manage Existing Health Conditions Before They Become Complications
Some women enter pregnancy with health conditions that require extra monitoring.
These may include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Kidney disease
- Autoimmune conditions
- Previous preterm birth
Taking care of any medical conditions during the pregnancy period will help achieve positive outcomes. In higher-risk pregnancies, a doctor may recommend additional monitoring, cervical length testing, progesterone therapy, or other procedures depending on one’s medical history, keeping in mind that all such treatments should be based on certain criteria and prescribed by a specialist.
Never forget that it is wrong to compare one’s pregnancy with someone else’s.
5. Learn the Warning Signs of Preterm Labor
Sometimes, preventing complications simply means recognizing symptoms early enough to seek medical care.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Persistent lower back pain
- Pelvic pressure
- Leaking fluid from the vagina
- Vaginal bleeding
- Unusual or excessive discharge
- Strong menstrual-like cramps
Particularly women may think that these symptoms are “normal pregnancy discomforts.” Although these symptoms sometimes may not mean that preterm labor is indicated, it is always better to seek a check-up.
Medical attention can be timely and prevent labor or help with other treatments to improve the final conditions of babies born with the prematurity issue.
Bonus Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy
Besides the above five steps, many easier ways could be followed for making your pregnancy healthier.
- Try to get enough sleep each night.
- Practice some kind of exercising according to your doctor’s advice.
- Keep hydrating yourself.
- Manage your stress through relaxation.
- Reach the weight level that your doctor considers appropriate for you.
- Pay attention to your hands and treat possible infections early.
While these practices will not give you great benefits in minimizing premature labor events, in any case, they will help you stay healthy.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for ways through which preterm birth can be avoided, remember that the process of preventing preterm birth starts a long time before giving birth. Having good prenatal care, healthy nutrition, avoiding bad substances, controlling diseases that one has, and noticing warning signs can greatly help in having a successful pregnancy.
Although there are no ways to make sure that every single risk of preterm birth is eliminated, following the recommendations given above will provide you and your baby the best possible chances of having a good term delivery. Always try to stay updated with the latest information, make all the necessary checkups, and do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you feel uncomfortable.
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