How Can Premature Births Be Prevented?
A baby is considered premature when the birth is before 37 weeks gestational length. According to the March of Dimes, approximately half a million babies are born premature. There are some ways that a woman can avoid giving birth prematurely.
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Avoid Toxic Substances
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Avoiding substances like alcohol, cigarettes and illegal drugs during pregnancy can help prevent premature birth.
Folic Acid
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A study performed by the University of Texas' Medical Branch and gynecologist Radic Bukowski found that taking folic acid before and during pregnancy may reduce the risk of delivering a baby prematurely.
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Balanced Diet
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To prevent a premature birth, a woman should eat a balanced diet. Excessive fat and sugars should be avoided.
Prenatal Care
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Prenatal care during pregnancy can help prevent premature births. A physician can determine a woman's risk for delivering prematurely and determine the best way to reduce her risk.
Progesterone
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Progesterone is a hormone that can sustain a woman's pregnancy. Some women have found that using progesterone either vaginally or through injections in the bloodstream, can reduce the risk of delivering prematurely.
Considerations
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Despite a physician's and woman's best efforts to prevent a premature birth, a woman can still give birth before 37 weeks with no clear reason why it has happened.
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