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If you’ve already had one preemie baby, then you know what complications may result in a child’s health and development. It can be a very nerve-wracking experience for any parent, and is incredibly dangerous for your newborn. For this reason, it is extremely important that you understand the risk factors in having another premature baby, and do your best to avoid these risks. Here, we will discuss some of the risks, as well as give you some advice on how to eliminate them if possible.
Alcohol Use
Consuming alcohol while pregnant not only puts you at risk for a premature birth, but also puts your baby in danger of a variety of other dangerous health issues—such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. It is incredibly important that you understand the serious nature of this, and refrain from consuming any alcoholic beverages while pregnant.
Smoking
Like alcohol, smoking cigarettes is one of the greatest risk factors for the birth of premature babies. The wonderful news is that it is also quite easily controlled. If you are a smoker, and are considering getting pregnant or find that you are pregnant, it is very much encouraged that you quit smoking to avoid birth complications and protect the health of your newborn.
Already Having One Premature Baby
Unfortunately this risk factor is unavoidable, but it is important to understand that having already given birth prematurely puts you at risk for having another early birth. This is particularly true if the births are close together. Because there is nothing you can do about this factor, it is vital that you take all the measures you can control to avoid a premature birth.
Poor Nutrition
Maintaining proper nutrition and keeping a healthy weight are vital to ensuring that no complications arise during your pregnancy. Be sure to keep your BMI in a healthy range, and eat a variety of nutrients. By no means should you be dieting during this time, but eating a healthy and well-balanced meal to provide for both you and the baby.
Age
This is yet another factor that cannot be controlled, however it is important that you be aware of it. Women under the age of 18 and above the age of 30 have a greater risk of giving birth prematurely than those within the range. Again, if this applies to you it is absolutely essential that you take as many controlled precautions as possible.
Untreated Infections
If you are planning a pregnancy, be sure to have any known infections cleared up prior to conceiving. Infections that are left untreated put you at a very high risk for giving birth prematurely. Work with your doctor if you develop an infection to clear the problem up as quickly as possible to reduce the chances of an early birth.
The best defense for avoiding another premature baby is to make sure you are in the best shape you can be—the healthier you are before and during a pregnancy, the less risk you’ll be at for complications. Be sure to work with your doctor to get the proper prenatal care, and keep a proper diet!
Sarah Danielson writes for Pitbull where you can find information on training, health, diet, and food for the popular and often misunderstood breed.