Title: Premature babies - Better Health Channel
Headings: Premature babies
Premature babies
Summary
On this page
Risk factors for premature birth
Delaying premature labour
The chance of survival for premature babies
Complications for premature babies
Disabilities for premature babies
Where to get help
Things to remember
View all babies and toddlers (0-3)

Content: Sadly, some babies die as a result of being born too early because their organs are too immature to function properly outside the womb. It is difficult to predict which pregnancies will end prematurely. Most often, no specific cause is found for premature births. We know of a few risk factors, but the mechanics behind premature labour remain a mystery, so it is difficult to prevent. Risk factors for premature birth
Some reasons for premature birth remain unknown. However, there are a few maternal risk factors, including: High blood pressure
Diabetes
Severe illness
Smoking
Twin or multiple pregnancy
Previous premature birth. Delaying premature labour
If a mother goes into labour prematurely, sometimes the birth can be delayed with certain treatments. As long as the baby is growing normally and the placenta is working properly, every extra day a baby can spend inside the mother’s womb increases the chance of survival, particularly if there is time to give the mother steroids. Giving the mother steroid injections before the birth can improve the baby’s lung maturity and chances of surviving.