Every November, we take time to recognize the challenges faced by babies born too early and the families and caregivers who support them. Prematurity Awareness Day on November 17th shines a light on the strength of these tiny fighters and the importance of support for those on this difficult journey.
What is Prematurity?
Each year, millions of babies are born too early, before they are fully developed. This is called prematurity. Premature babies, also known as preemies, often have health problems and need special medical care. Many preemies spend weeks or months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where they receive life-saving support.
For families, this can be a tough and emotional journey. Watching their baby fight to breathe on their own, gain weight, or stay warm makes every small success feel like a big victory. Even the tiniest progress brings new hope.
How Prenatal Care Helps Lower the Risk of Premature Birth
Although not all premature births can be prevented, prenatal care can make a big difference. It helps identify risks early and ensures both the mother and baby stay as healthy as possible.
- Finding Health Problems Early – Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or infections can increase the chance of preterm birth. Regular prenatal checkups help detect and manage these issues early.
- Monitoring Baby’s Growth – Doctors track the baby’s growth during prenatal visits. If the baby isn’t growing properly, doctors can step in with extra care to reduce risks and adjust the pregnancy plan.
- Nutrition and Supplements – Good nutrition is essential for a healthy pregnancy. During prenatal care, mothers get advice on eating well and taking supplements like folic acid, iron, and calcium which are crucial for both mother and baby.
- Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Choices – Smoking, alcohol, and drug use can increase the risk of preterm birth. Prenatal care offers support to help moms make healthier choices. Mothers also get tips on managing stress and avoiding harmful chemicals or infections that could affect pregnancy.
- Preventive Treatments and Screenings – For mothers with a history of preterm birth or other risk factors, progesterone therapy may be recommended to help them carry the pregnancy to term. Infections, if found during checkups, can be treated early to prevent preterm labor. Mothers also receive preeclampsia screenings to catch and treat dangerous pregnancy complications early.
- Learning the Warning Signs of Preterm Labor – Prenatal care helps parents recognize early signs of preterm labor, like contractions, bleeding, or unusual discharge. Knowing what to watch for can help them get medical care quickly and prevent labor from progressing.
- Special Care for High-Risk Pregnancies – Mothers with multiple pregnancies (like twins) or other risk factors receive extra monitoring and support from specialists. Early care ensures better outcomes from both mother and babies.
Prenatal care can’t prevent every premature birth, especially when genetics or unknown factors are involved. But it plays a vital role in lowering risks and improving outcomes. Unfortunately, not everyone has easy access to care, which is why LifeClinic offers resources to help expectant mothers connect with a local doctor. Think you may be pregnant? Please Contact Us today to book an appointment!