Premature Birth Information and Prevention

A Full-term Baby is a Strong Baby

Babies born after the 39^th week of pregnancy have the best possible start in life!

Definitions:

• 39 weeks of pregnancy is the ideal! 
• “Full-term” babies are born after 37 weeks of pregnancy
• “Preterm” babies are born before 37 weeks

Why is it important to have a full-term baby?

• Important organs, like the baby’s brain and lungs, need that time to grow.
• Babies need to be born at a healthy weight to keep warm. Early babies might be to too small to keep warm.
• Preterm babies are more likely to have vision and hearing problems, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, breathing problems, and other health issues.  
• Even “late preterm” babies (born at 34-37 weeks) are at higher risk of health issues than full term babies

What can I do to try to have a full-term baby?

• Start prenatal care with Doctor, Midwife, or Nurse-Practitioner as soon as you know you are pregnant and don’t miss any appointments.
• Tell your prenatal care provider that you do not want an induction or C-Section prior to 39 weeks of pregnancy unless you or your baby are in danger
• Eat well-balanced, healthy meals
• Do not diet or try to lose weight
• Do not smoke or be around other people who are smoking
• Do not drink alcohol, including beer and wine
• Do not take drugs or medicine without talking to your healthcare provider first
• Take a prenatal vitamin daily
• Get regular exercise
• Minimize stress
• Seek immediate medical care for any infections you might have
• See a dentist: dental infections can also be a trigger for pre-term birth
• Know the signs of early labor

What can put me at risk of not having a full-term baby?

• Having had a preterm baby in the past – let your healthcare provider know if you have ever had a baby come early
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs), Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or dental infections
• Gaining too little or too much weight while you are pregnant
• Having babies too close together -  wait at least a year after your last baby was born to become pregnant again - two years is even better
• Stress

You can find more information at the March of Dimes website.