Title: Premature birth & premature babies | Raising Children Network
Headings: Premature labour, birth and babies
Premature labour, birth and babies
Premature birth: the basics
How premature babies look
Premature birth: risk factors
Premature labour: signs and symptoms
Premature babies: survival and development
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Content: They might look exhausted and have fragile, translucent skin. Their eyes might still be fused shut. As these tiny babies grow, parents can watch the developmental changes in their baby’s appearance, movement and ability to interact with their world. Premature birth: risk factors
In about half of all premature births, it isn’t known why the premature birth happens. The following factors increase the likelihood of a premature birth: a previous premature birth
some conditions of the uterus or cervix, like fibroids or a weakened cervix
a multiple pregnancy – twins or more
a maternal infection or maternal condition that means the birth needs to be brought on quickly for the safety of mother and baby – for example, pre-eclampsia
conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. There are also some other factors that are associated with a premature birth. These include poor or not enough nutrition, too much physical activity, smoking, alcohol and other drug use, too much stress, anxiety, depression, obesity, underweight and lack of prenatal care. Being under 17 years or over 35 years can also be a factor in premature birth.