Tips for Having Safer Pregnancies to Prevent Premature Births

Tips for Having Safer Pregnancies to Prevent Premature Births

One out of every 10 babies (approximately 400,000 in the United States annually) is born preterm or before the normal 37-40 weeks of pregnancy. Because babies born premature miss out on significant growth and development occurring in the last weeks of pregnancy, premature births are among the leading causes of infant mortality and often lead to short- and long-term health problems. November is the March of Dimes’ Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to consider what can be done to prevent premature births. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC examines ways you can have safer pregnancies to hopefully prevent more premature births from occurring.

Pregnancy Planning to Ensure You’re Ready for Pregnancy

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one thing you can do to prevent premature births is avoiding unintended pregnancies. Statistics show unintended pregnancies have been associated with a higher risk of complications for the mother-to-be and baby, including preterm births and low birth weights. Sexually active women of reproductive age should have access to FDA-approved contraceptive methods such as birth control pills, hormonal implants, and intrauterine devices to delay or prevent pregnancies until they’re ready. It’s also helpful to plan your pregnancies, spacing them out at least 18 months apart to give your body more healing time to avoid the risk of complications.

Manage Chronic Conditions & Identify Pregnancy Risk Factors

If you’re thinking about having a baby, it’s critical to identify any potential pregnancy risk factors. You must take excellent care of yourself before becoming pregnant. If you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you must get it under control to avoid health risks to you and your baby. You must refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain prescription drugs during pregnancy, as these can all affect a baby’s growth and development. Be aware that your age, weight, and pregnancy history are all factors that can put you at greater risk for having premature labor. Access to regular prenatal care is vital, as it allows your healthcare provider to monitor your and your baby’s health throughout the pregnancy.

Maintain a Healthy Weight – Be Active & Eat a Balanced Diet

Living a healthy lifestyle can ensure you have a safer, healthier pregnancy. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight by remaining active during pregnancy. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes per day. You must also eat a well-balanced diet with foods containing iron and folic acid. Lowering your stress levels can also decrease your risk of having a premature labor. Try to find ways to strike a balance between your work and home life. Meditation, yoga, and support groups can help you reduce stress.

Recognize the Signs of Premature Labor & Contact Your Provider

Sometimes premature labor is unavoidable. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the following warning signs of an early labor (it’s better to be safe than sorry):

• Contractions or tightening of your uterus more than 4-5 times per hour
• Abdominal cramping (with or without diarrhea)
• Abdominal, vaginal, or pelvic pressure
• Constant, dull lower backaches or aches in your inner thighs
• Increased vaginal discharge (watery, mucus-like, or bloody)
• Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking from your vagina

Committed to Educating the Public & Creating Proactive Patients

Pegalis Law Group, LLC is a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm that has made it our mission to spread public awareness to create proactive patients for nearly 50 years. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to receive additional insights for being proactive about your family’s healthcare.