How to Prevent Premature Birth
There are identifiable risk factors associated with premature birth. Some are controllable; others are not. It is best if a woman eliminates as many risk factors as possible before conception and during pregnancy. The sooner risk factors are determined, the more likely steps can be taken to address them. The following are recommendations for reducing the risk of premature birth.
Things You'll Need
- Prenatal vitamins containing folic acid and zinc
- Toothbrush
- Mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Water
- Journal
- Condoms
Instructions
Steps to Take Prior to Pregnancy to Prevent Premature Birth
Quit smoking, drinking alcohol and drug use for at least six months before becoming pregnant to allow your body to heal and be in better condition to handle a pregnancy. Exercise and eat properly so your body is in the best health. See a dentist and address any tooth and gum disease issues. Take proper care of teeth and gums by brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through damaged blood vessels under the gums. Visit a physician for a full physical, including tests for sexually transmitted diseases. Be sure to request testing for herpes simplex viruses because these are often not included in the normal battery of blood tests. If you test positive for HSV-2 (genital herpes), tell your obstetrician. This is a risk factor in premature labor. Start taking a prenatal vitamin containing zinc and folic acid, both of which are believed to reduce the risk of premature birth and birth defects. Continue to take the vitamin throughout pregnancy and as long as you breastfeed your baby. Before selecting an obstetrician, midwife or birthing team, schedule consultations with caregivers to discuss their approach to and knowledge of preterm labor and premature birth. Select a caregiver with whom you are comfortable, based on their experience and the capabilities of the facilities where your baby will be born. Steps to Take During Pregnancy to Prevent Premature Birth
Eat a well-balanced diet that provides proper nutrition for you and the baby. Be sure to eat foods containing healthy sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals. An iron supplement might be recommended by your obstetrician. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Obtain recommended prenatal care. Regular visits to your pregnancy caregiver increase the chances that signs of premature birth will be detected earlier, thus allowing them to be addressed earlier. Eliminate heavy physical labor and reduce time on your feet. Get help with activities, such as house cleaning and heavy lifting, which put undue strain on your already-stressed body. Eliminate or reduce stressful situations and confrontations as much as possible. Journaling, counseling, or seeking a prayer partner are ideas to control stress. Stress can trigger hormones to be released by the brain that can increase the risk of preterm labor. Use condoms to prevent infections while pregnant. STDs, urinary tract infections and cervical, vaginal, and amniotic fluid infections place a woman at high risk for premature birth.
