Premature birth

When you’re pregnant all you can think about is getting that baby (or babies) out of you as quickly as possible, but when it happens sooner than expected things can get pretty overwhelming. The good news is that while premature birth might be scary, most preemie babies go on to lead an active and fulfilling life. We’re here to walk you through it.

What is a premature birth?

‘Premature’ refers to all babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy. This could also be called a preterm birth. A normal pregnancy is carried for 40 weeks (referred to as ‘term’ or ‘full term’).

What causes premature birth?

You shouldn’t be staying up all night googling ‘What causes premature birth’ as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Truth is, most premature births are due to unavoidable medical circumstances. For example:

• Multiples – One of the most common reasons for premature births is having twins. Approximately 50% of twin mums go into premature labour.
• Infection – An infection in the uterus or vagina, usually bacterial, which can be treated with a mild course of antibiotics.
• Cervical impotence – A weakness in the neck of the womb also called ‘cervical incompetence‘. This is when the weight of the baby causes the cervix to open in the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy.
• Pre-eclampsia – A condition found in pregnant women where high blood pressure and protein in the urine can cause women to go into early labour. Signs to watch out for include: swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision. It’s an extremely high-risk condition, so if you notice any of these symptoms while pregnant, be sure to call your midwife and/or doctor straight away.
• Smoking – Studies show that women who smoke are three times more likely to have premature babies with a low birth weights than those who don’t.
• Stress – Stressful or traumatic events such as bereavement can lead to premature birth.

What to do if you go into labour early

Go straight to your local hospital – if you are less than 35 weeks pregnant you will be given two sets of drugs. The first is to delay labour for a day or two, the second is to help the baby’s lungs mature if an early labour cannot be prevented. Post 35 weeks and you’ll go straight into labour.

One in eight babies born in the UK spends at least a few days in a neonatal unit to receive special care. This can include extra monitoring, breathing support, or help with jaundice – a common condition which causes a yellow discolouration of the skin but is easily treatable. Neonatal units may be quite a daunting, maybe even saddening, experience. Unfortunately, you’ll be surrounded by tiny babies and incubators, but don’t worry if your baby ends up here. It’s just part of the process of allowing them to fully develop before getting home safely.

Keep in mind that preemie babies may need health care even after they leave the neonatal unit. Some health problems that they might encounter include cerebral palsy as well as retinopathy of prematurity. No matter what health condition they have, know that help and support is readily available. A majority of preemies go on to live beautiful lives, despite an eventful start.

Feeding premature babies

The Government advice to all new mums and their midwives is that premature babies born from 32 weeks are breastfed. But it’s important to note that this may not be possible in some cases as a baby does not develop its sucking reflexes until around this time. As difficult as it might be to accept this as reality, just know that whatever way your baby is being fed is the right way for them. The main concern is their health and strength right now and you’re doing everything you can to ensure that.

If you can’t breastfeed and your baby won’t take a bottle, a naso-gastric tube will be placed in their nose so food can be given directly into their stomachs. After your baby has established regular feeds and has gained sufficient weight you’ll be allowed to take them home.

It happened to me: Claire, 25 years-old

I was on the train on the way home from work when I suddenly started experiencing stomach cramps. I has just turned 32 weeks pregnant so I didn’t really think it was labour. My mind was going to what I’d eaten that day and what the baby kicking felt like.

I only really panicked when someone told me they thought I was in labour. Instantly I rang my boyfriend and he picked me up from the station and drove me to hospital.

When I got to the hospital I was two centimetres dilated. They gave me an injection to try and delay the labour and another set of drugs to help develop the baby’s lungs. After they strapped me to a baby heart monitor I listened to the baby’s heartbeat and hoped the contractions would stop and I could go home. No such luck. Apparently if the baby wants to come early then it’s gonna come early!

After three days of mild contractions – my water broke and I went into full blown labour. Luckily I was given a choice about what type of birth I wanted. I opted for a natural vaginal birth over a c-section as this helps with the baby’s breathing. Since I had been experiencing mild contractions for three days prior I was exhausted. I basically ended up having all the pain relief on offer- gas, air and an epidural.

Thankfully my baby girl, Emerson Rose, was born at 5.40am at a small but healthy 4lbs. She had to go into the neonatal ward because of her low weight and stayed for almost a month until she put on an extra pound. Now aged two, my daughter is happy, healthy and has even caught up in size! – Emerson’s actually in the top 5% height ratio for toddlers her age.