Almost all pregnancies last for about 40 weeks. However, WHO data suggest that one-in-ten babies are born prematurely1. A baby born before or during the 37th week of pregnancy is considered as a premature or a preterm baby.





Read on to know everything about premature birth.





A Preterm Baby’s Age





Gestational Age





● The number of weeks the infant completes in the womb at birth.





● Usually calculated from the mother’s menstrual dates and the infant’s maturational features.





Chronological Age





● The actual time since the infant’s birth.





● Perfect for timing healthcare visits and immunisations.





Adjusted Age





● The chronological age of the baby that is corrected for the amount of prematurity.





● Commonly used for keeping track of the baby's development.





Causes of Premature Birth





Multiple Births





● If you’re carrying twins or triplets, chances that your babies will arrive early are higher.





● This is caused due to an increased number of babies in the uterus.





Congenital Irregularities





● Sometimes, irregularities in the infant’s development can prompt an early delivery.





● In such cases, ultrasound helps identify the need for premature delivery.





Mother’s Conditions





● Mother’s with chronic uterine illness(es) or a poorly functioning placenta require early delivery.





● Delivery can either be a C-section or induced for the well-being of the baby and the mother.





Other Conditions





● If the mother has previously given a premature birth.





● If the mother is underweight at the time of conception.





● If the mother conceives within six weeks or less after the previous delivery.





● If the mother continues to work on her feet late into the pregnancy or is subjected to emotional or physical stress.





⚠️ Myths about Preterm Birth2





In a vast majority of cases, there is nothing one can do to prevent an early birth. As such, myths, including worrying, bad thoughts, sex in the third trimester, air travel, swimming, and bad food, among others, are widely blamed for premature births.





🌟 Preventing Prematurity





✔ Ensure good prenatal and medical care3;between pregnancies.





✔ Follow a nutritious diet and take care of your emotional well-being.





✔ Consume foods that help you gain weight.





✔ Avoid indulging in tobacco or alcohol.





It is natural to feel a little worried if you have a preterm baby. Remember, most premature babies develop normally; just take the infant for regular health check-ups.