A preterm birth happens when a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. So, when a baby is born early, it may not be fully ready to live outside the womb. Some babies who are born a little early can do well with basic care. But babies who are born very early may need special treatment and may face serious health problems.
There are many Causes of Preterm Birth. Some are clear, while others are not well understood. Doctors and researchers have studied this for many years. They have found that different medical conditions, lifestyle factors and body changes can lead to early birth.
What Causes Preterm Births? Understanding the Medical Reasons
Infections During Pregnancy
One of the most common causes of Causes of Preterm Birth. If a pregnant woman has an infection in her body, it can lead to early labor. Infections can happen in the uterus, vagina or even the urinary tract. When the body tries to fight the infection, it may release chemicals. These chemicals can cause the uterus to contract and this may start labor too early.
Sometimes, the mother does not even feel symptoms of the infection. That is why regular checkups are important. If doctors find and treat the infection early, they may be able to prevent early delivery. But if the infection spreads or becomes serious, it may lead to preterm birth.
Problems with the Uterus or Cervix
Some women are born with problems in the shape or size of their uterus. Others may have a weak cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus. It is supposed to stay closed during pregnancy. But in some women, the cervix opens too soon. This can lead to early labor.
These are physical or structural Causes of Preterm Birth. Sometimes doctors can do a small surgery called a cerclage to help keep the cervix closed. In other cases, they may suggest bed rest or other steps to lower the risk. Women who have had surgery on the cervix before may also be at higher risk.
Multiple Pregnancies (Twins or More)
Women who are pregnant with twins, triplets or more babies are more likely to have a preterm birth. This is because carrying more than one baby puts more pressure on the uterus. The womb stretches more and it can start contractions before the right time. The body also needs more energy and care during such pregnancies.
This is a natural and common Causes of Preterm Birth. Doctors usually check such pregnancies more often. Sometimes, they may ask the mother to rest more or stay in the hospital for a while. The goal is to delay labor for as long as possible to keep the babies safe.
Chronic Health Problems
Long term health problems in the mother can also be causes of preterm birth. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems or thyroid issues. If these conditions are not controlled properly, they can harm the baby or lead to early labor.
Some women already know about these health problems before getting pregnant. In those cases, managing them early helps reduce the risk. Other women may develop these issues during pregnancy. Doctors watch for signs and try to treat them quickly to avoid complications.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are chemicals in the body that help control different processes, including pregnancy. One hormone called progesterone helps keep the uterus calm and prevents contractions. If this hormone level drops early, it may cause the uterus to start contractions before the baby is ready.
This is another one of the hidden Causes of Preterm Birth. Doctors sometimes give hormone medicines to women who have low progesterone levels. These medicines can help lower the chances of early labor.
Pregnancy Complications
Some problems may happen during pregnancy that lead to early birth. For example, the placenta may cover the cervix (placenta previa) or the mother may develop high blood pressure and swelling (pre eclampsia). In such cases, the doctor may have to deliver the baby early to protect the health of both mother and baby.
These pregnancy related issues are serious Causes of Preterm Birth. Regular health checks can help find such problems early. Doctors can then make plans to keep the baby safe for as long as possible.
Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices also play a role in preterm births. Smoking, drinking alcohol and using harmful drugs are known causes of preterm birth. These habits affect how the baby grows and may cause problems with the placenta and uterus. Poor eating habits and lack of sleep also affect the mother’s health during pregnancy.
Women who take care of their health before and during pregnancy are less likely to face such issues. Eating good food, getting enough rest and avoiding harmful substances can help lower the risk of early delivery.
Past Preterm Birth
A woman who has already had a preterm birth before is more likely to have it again. Doctors say this is one of the strongest causes of preterm birth. The body may repeat the same pattern in future pregnancies.
Doctors may suggest special care for women with this history. This may include more checkups, hormone treatment or other medical steps to try and prevent another early birth.
Age and Body Weight
Very young mothers (under 17) and older mothers (over 35) may have a higher chance of early delivery. Also, being underweight or overweight before pregnancy can add risk.
These physical conditions are simple but important Causes of Preterm Birth. A healthy weight, balanced diet and planned pregnancy can help reduce the risks.
Mental Health and Stress
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Depression, stress or anxiety during pregnancy can affect the body. Stress hormones can cause changes in the body that may lead to early labor.
Though this is not always easy to see, mental health problems are also real Causes of Preterm Birth. Support from family, doctors and mental health professionals can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Many things can lead to a baby being born early. Infections, body changes, medical problems, lifestyle habits and even stress are all possible Causes of Preterm Birth. Some can be prevented with good care, while others may happen even when everything seems fine. That is why regular visits to the doctor and a healthy lifestyle are very important during pregnancy.
If you are looking for the right support, it is best to consult a trusted gynaecologist in Gurugram. Aryan Hospital provides care and support for mothers at every stage of pregnancy, especially for those at risk of preterm birth.