Birth occurring before the 37th week of pregnancy is called Preterm Birth. Premature birth affects approximately 10-13% of pregnancies and is responsible for the majority of neonatal losses. The younger the birth occurs, the higher the risk for the baby. Since many organs and systems of premature babies are immature, their adaptation to the external environment is more difficult. These babies cannot control their body temperature, are prone to infections, have a tendency to have low blood sugar, have underdeveloped sucking reflexes, and may experience breathing difficulties. Prematurity is the cause of many complications such as intracranial bleeding, necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory distress, and prematurity retinopathy. Cerebral palsy, chronic lung, and permanent hearing and vision problems are the problems these babies face in the long term. Babies born under the 28th week are considered very preterm, babies born between 28-32 weeks are considered premature, babies born at 32-34 weeks are considered moderately preterm, and babies born between 34-37 weeks are considered late preterm.
RISK FACTORS FOR EARLY BIRTH:
Previous premature birth, multiple pregnancy, being pregnant with in vitro fertilization, maternal infections, early opening of the membranes, excess water, developmental delay in the baby, maternal high blood pressure and protein leakage, vaginal bleeding starting in the early stages of pregnancy. Many reasons such as bleeding and miscarriage attacks, autoimmune diseases, hyper and hypothyroidism, diabetes, placenta previa can start the birth process early.
SYMPTOMS:
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Regular or frequent contractions (contractions become increasingly severe at regular intervals)
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Vaguely back and waist pain (especially this pain in the back is important because it is not seen in false contractions)
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Pains similar to menstrual pain
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Mild abdominal cramps
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Vaginal spotting or light bleeding
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Preterm rupture of membranes - which occurs after the membrane of the sac surrounding the baby ruptures a stream of fluid or a steady trickle of fluid
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A change in the type of vaginal discharge - watery, mucus-like or bloody
Most women experience false contractions during certain periods of pregnancy. These contractions, called Braxton-Hicks, are named after the doctor who first noticed the existence of false contractions. Braxton-Hicks contractions can be confused with premature labor. Braxton Hicks contractions are normal and prepare the mother for labor, but do not initiate premature labor. Knowing the differences between false contractions and real labor pains is important to prevent pregnant mothers from panicking. If you still cannot understand the difference, it would be beneficial to consult your doctor.
Seeing that the contractions are Braxton-Hicks will relieve you all.
The important differences between the two contractions can be listed as follows:
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Consistency: Real contractions last 30-70 seconds and occur at regular intervals. Braxton-Hicks contractions do not follow a consistent pattern.
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Increasing frequency: True contractions occur more frequently as labor approaches. In Braxton-Hicks contractions, the frequency does not increase.
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Intensity of pain: In general, real contractions are more painful than Braxton-Hicks contractions. Although they may be uncomfortable, Braxton-Hicks contractions typically do not cause pain.
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Location of pain: Contractions leading up to labor are felt throughout the abdomen and in the lower back, while Braxton-Hicks contractions are usually felt in the front of the abdomen. .
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Effect of movement: Changing position or moving in any other way stops Braxton-Hicks contractions. Movement does not affect actual contractions.
If you feel contractions before your time, the first thing you should do is to change your sitting and standing position, determine the location of the contractions and keep the time between them. Despite all this, if you still think that the contractions are real labor contractions, you should call your doctor immediately.
PREVENTING EARLY BIRTH:
To predict premature birth, cervical length can be measured vaginally for patients in the risk group starting from the 16th week. The risk increases in patients with a cervix below 25 mm. These patients are started on progesterone support. In patients with a previous preterm birth and a short cervix, cervix should be applied to the cervix. Stitches called j can be applied.
TREATMENT IN THE THREAT OF EARLY BIRTH:
If premature labor has started, it usually cannot be stopped, but can be postponed. During this period, corticosteroids may be recommended to complete your baby's lung development. Magnesium sulfate can be especially effective in preventing the disease called cerebral palsy, which is observed in premature births. Finally, tocolytic agents can be used to delay premature birth.
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