children s health issues
Preterm (Premature) Newborns
Risk Factors for Preterm Birth
The causes of preterm birth are frequently unknown. Although there are many known risk factors for preterm birth, there is no identifiable cause for most preterm deliveries. Risk factors related to a previous pregnancy: Previous preterm birth (highest risk) Previous dilation and curettage ( Dilation and Curettage ) procedure for Risk factors related to the current pregnancy: Less than 6 months between the current and the previous pregnancy Lack of prenatal care Assisted Reproductive Technologies (such as Multiple Births (such as twins, triplets) High or low Weight (underweight or obese) or gaining more or less weight than recommended during pregnancy Undernutrition Diabetes During Pregnancy None Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy Placenta Previa (attachment [implantation] of the placenta over the opening of the cervix) Placental Abruption (early separation of the placenta) Infections During Pregnancy , such as Prelabor Rupture of the Membranes (PROM) None Preterm Labor None Certain birth defects (fetuses with Overview of Heart Defects are nearly twice as likely to be delivered prematurely as fetuses without birth defects of the heart) Risk factors related to maternal health or personal history: Younger or older Age (for example, the mother is under age 16 years or is over age 35 years) Non-Hispanic Black or American Indian/Alaska Native women (in the United States) Previous surgery involving the cervix or a history of losing a pregnancy due to a weak cervix ( Uterine Fibroids ) Uterine Fibroids or other abnormalities of the uterus, such as a uterus that has two parts (bicornuate uterus) Diabetes During Pregnancy None High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy None Kidney Disorders During Pregnancy None Certain medications (such as beta blockers) Smoking (Tobacco) None Use of Alcohol or Exposure to certain environmental pollutants Long work hours with long periods of standing Stress or lack of social support Domestic Violence None 