Title: Risk Factors for Early Delivery
Headings: When Baby Comes Early: What Is Your Risk?
When Baby Comes Early: What Is Your Risk?
Risk Factors for Early Delivery
Multiple Gestation
History of Premature Birth
History of Abortion
Vaginal Bleeding in the Second or Third Trimester
Infection
Polyhydramnios
Problems with the Cervix
Problems with the Uterus
Genetic, Economic, and Social Factors
Genetics and Race
Economic Factors
Social Factors
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Content: Preterm labor can lead to a premature birth, which poses many risks to the baby. Premature babies often need additional care after birth and sometimes have long-term health problems that can affect them throughout their entire lives. The earlier in pregnancy a baby is born, the more likely the baby will have physical or mental disabilities. Preterm labor occurs in approximately 12 percent of pregnancies. The cause of preterm labor isn’t always known, but there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of going into labor early. Risk Factors for Early Delivery
Any pregnant woman can have preterm labor and premature birth, even if she’s done everything right during pregnancy. However, certain factors can make some women more likely than others to go into labor and give birth early. These risk factors include: multiple gestation (more than one baby in the womb)
history of premature birth
vaginal bleeding in the middle of pregnancy
infection
polyhydramnios (an excessive amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby)
problems with the cervix
problems with the uterus
certain genetic conditions
drug and alcohol use
limited access to prenatal care
It’s important to remember that most women with these risk factors will carry their pregnancy to full term. However, it’s helpful to be aware of your risk so you can be thoroughly evaluated and closely monitored by your doctor.