A premature birth is the birth that occurs that happens before the 37 weeks of the pregnancy or the birth that happens at more than three weeks before the baby’s due date. Preparing for a premature birth, both physically and mentally is important, so that the baby can be properly taken care of.  Premature birth: Mental and emotional preparation For the parents, premature birth brings a tough time and with range of emotions- joy, worry, helplessness, fear that how to overcome the situation or take care of the baby. They will also have to stay in the hospital until the baby is discharged with the good health and lesser risks of any other health problems. In that situation, the parents shouldn’t hesitate to seek support and encouragement from friends, family, another parents, who’ve gone through the same situation, online forums. Reading books and resources on premature babies to gain more knowledge and asking questions to the doctors on that will also prove to be a great aid.  It is advised to the parents remain calm under such tense atmosphere to manage the overwhelming emotions by doing some breathing and mindfulness exercises, going on a walk or listening to the music, focusing on the positive aspects like what can they do today or their future life with the baby. Premature birth: Practical preparation Some parents might know that their baby will be born ahead of its estimated due date due to signs of medical problems or risk factors during the pregnancy. In that case, it will be best to talk to their doctors about it and doing the proper preparation to face that situation effectively.  Parents after the premature birth, have to stay in the hospital for their new born in NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). In that case, they can do advance planning about the groceries stocking, they’ll be needing after coming home with the baby and cooked meals for the other children. It will be best if the parents can seek help from their friends and relatives for taking care of their other children and for organisation of home and its chorus like cleaning, cooking or shopping for the essentials.  For the needed hospital stay, there will also be the requirement of packing a hospital bag with all the necessities. If there is no time, they can contact their friend and families to bring it to them.

Before you even take that unsure pregnancy test, you probably may get a heads-up in the form of some early pregnancy symptoms. But because many of these early signs of pregnancy are similar to symptoms you have right before you get your period, it can be hard for you to differentiate.  When do pregnancy symptoms start? Very early pregnancy symptoms include sensitivity to smell and tender and enlarged breasts may show up immediately before you miss your period, as soon as a few days after conception, while other early signs of pregnancy like spotting around the body will appear around one week after sperm meets egg. Still others like urinary frequency may take a few weeks or so following conception. That said, early pregnancy symptoms crop in different people at different times in different people. You may not notice or be able to confirm other early pregnancy symptoms in the initial few weeks. Some experience very few of these Common signs until several weeks into their pregnancies. And though many women never feel any early pregnancy symptoms, others really have to suffer from them all. If you’ve missed your period and are experiencing fatigue, morning sickness, spotting, and tender breasts then you can just grab yourself a home pregnancy test — and then drop by the doctors for a blood test or ultrasound to get it confirmed.  While the only way to know for sure that you’ve got a baby on board is by taking a home pregnancy test further than getting those results confirmed by your doctor. these early symptoms some of which can occur before a missed period may provide some clues that you’re expecting. The sooner you know you’re pregnant, the better you can begin taking measures to care for yourself and your baby. If you’re trying to get pregnant, or if you think you might be pregnant, look for these most common signs of early pregnancy listed below – and find out what you are expected to do if you experience them. Common indicators of Early Pregnancy A missed period For most women, a missed period is often the first indication they’ve entered the early stages of pregnancy. If a week or more has passed of your date without the start of your period, especially if your cycle is regular, you may be pregnant. Frequent urination Once you conceive, the amount of blood in your body will increase significantly. As your kidneys work to process the increased amount of liquid, you’ll experience a more frequent need to go to the washroom and urinate. Swollen or tender breasts Early pregnancy hormones such as hCG, oxytocin, and progesterone may cause increased sensitivity and soreness in breasts. This discomfort is not permanent and normally disappears a few weeks after pregnancy once your body has adjusted to being pregnant. Fatigue Progesterone levels rise once you become pregnant, which often leads to slow down your body and causes sleepiness and increased fatigue. Nausea, with or without vomiting A sudden rise in hormone levels can cause nausea in the early stages of pregnancy. Though pregnancy nausea is often called “morning sickness,” it can actually occur at any time of day. Light spotting and cramping Light spotting, also known as implantation bleeding can occur during the very initial days when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This can happen mainly about 10 to 14 days after conception which is around the same time that you are supposed to have your period. Light spotting may also be accompanied by cramping in the body which can feel similar to menstrual cramps. Bloating Heightened hormones in the body can cause you to feel bloated all day, similar to how you may feel at the beginning of your period days. Mood swings Once your hormone levels begin to rise, you may find yourself more emotionally unstable and subject to random mood swings. Constipation The influx of progesterone in the body experienced during pregnancy can slow down your digestive system, causing constipation.  Excess saliva Also called ptyalism gravidarum, some moms-to-be experience more saliva build-up early in pregnancy. This symptom usually starts sometime in the first trimester and is thought to be your body’s way of protecting your mouth, teeth, and throat from the corrosive effects of stomach acid that may harm your baby.

A preterm baby is a child born prematurely, less than 37 weeks gestation. Each year, approximately 1 in 10 babies in the United States is born prematurely. Premature babies may not be fully developed at birth. They may have more health problems and may need to stay in the hospital longer than later born babies. Thanks to advances in medical care, even babies born very prematurely are now more likely to survive than ever before. Your baby’s healthcare provider may use these terms to describe your baby’s birth: Late premature birth: Your baby will be born between the 34th and 36th completed week of pregnancy. Moderately premature: Your baby will be born between 32 and 34 weeks gestation. Very premature: Your baby will be born before the 32nd week of pregnancy. Extremely Preterm: Your baby will be born at or before 25 weeks gestation. Some health problems associated with preterm birth can last a lifetime. Other problems, such as mental or developmental disabilities, may show up as your baby grows and later in childhood. These are problems with how the brain works that can cause a person to experience difficulty or delays in physical development, learning, communicating, caring for themselves, or interacting with others. The earlier a baby is born in the pregnancy, the more likely it is to have health problems. Babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy most often have health problems, but babies born between 34 and 37 weeks of pregnancy also have an increased risk of health problems related to preterm birth. Some premature babies need to spend time in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (also called the NICU). This is the children’s room in a hospital where sick new-born babies are given medical care. Premature babies stay in the NICU until their organs have developed enough to survive without medical support. Some babies require weeks or months of care in the NICU before they can breathe, eat through their mouth, and maintain their body temperature and weight on their own. What are the risks associated with premature birth? A neonatologist provides care for premature infants. This doctor has received specific training to care for infants. Depending on the health issues they have, babies may also receive care from other professionals. Babies that are born prematurely lack fully developed bodies and organ systems. Compared to what they would have been if they had been born at full term, these new-borns are smaller. They could require assistance with breathing, eating, preventing infection, and keeping warm. Babies that are born before 28 weeks are at the highest risk for complications. Potentially unprepared for life outside the mother’s uterus are their organs and bodily systems. Moreover, they can be too young to operate properly. Important facts regarding prematurity  Premature birth, or the birth of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is referred to as this. Additionally, many preterm infants weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams). They could be referred to as low birth weight. Long-term health issues can arise in premature infants. In general, the health issues may be more severe and long-lasting the earlier the kid is born. Prenatal care is essential in preventing low birth weight and premature deliveries. Sick babies are more likely to have sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Some premature newborns still require particular care when they return home, even when they are otherwise healthy enough to be discharged.

How common is premature birth? About 1 out of every 10 births in the U.S. is premature. The number increases in lower-income countries. Complications from premature births are the leading cause of death in children younger than 5. Why Are Babies Born Premature? In about half of all cases, the cause of a premature birth is unknown. However, some of the reasons why babies are born prematurely are: Problems with the cervix when it is too weak to support the weight of the baby and the uterus so it begins to open prematurely (called cervical incompetence) Multiple pregnancy (twins or more) The mother gets an infection The mother has a medical condition that requires the baby to be delivered prematurely, such as B. Preeclampsia Problems with the placenta such as placental insufficiency, placenta Previa, placenta accrete or abrupt placenta Premature  rupture of membranes when the amniotic sac spontaneously ruptures The mother has a health condition such as diabetes A History of Premature Birth Contact your doctor if you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and notice any of the signs of preterm labor such as or right away in the next delivery suite. It may be possible to slow or stop labor. But with each day the baby stays in your womb, the better its chances of survival. What are the signs of preterm labor? In most cases, labor will come on by itself, and the signs are usually the same as for full-term labor. Signs of preterm labour include: Pressure in pelvis, as if baby is pushing down Cramps in the lower part of the abdomen Constipation, nausea or vomiting Constant lower back pain A change in your vaginal discharge or more discharge than normal Your vagina leaks mucus, blood, or fluid Water breaks Regular contractions or contractions that occur more than 4 times an hour The baby’s movements slow down or stop Do multiple levels of prematurity exist? Four categories of preterm births exist: Between 34 and 36 weeks gestation; late preterm. Born between 32 and 34 weeks gestation, moderately premature. Born before 32 weeks; extremely premature. Extreme prematurity, or birth before 25 weeks. Are some women more likely to give birth early? Premature birth may be more likely in you if you: Are of African descent. Either have a minimum age of 20 or a maximum age of 40. Possess a personal or family history of premature births. Smoking throughout pregnancy. Were underweight prior to conception. Cervical cerclage can be an option for you if you have a high risk of preterm labour or delivery. Your cervix will be stitched shut during this surgical operation until your baby is born.

Ways to prevent or reduce the risk of premature birth of a baby Can Preterm Labor Be Prevented? Some women are more likely to have early labor. Those with a short or weak cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina) or who have had a preemie before are more likely to go into labor earlier. In these cases, the doctor may recommend treatments such as: Progesterone: This hormone can be given by injection or inserted into the vagina. It may help reduce the chance of preterm labor for women who have previously had a premature birth or who have a short cervix. Cerclage: In this procedure, stitches close a woman’s cervix to prevent premature birth. Doctors may recommend cerclage for women who have had premature babies or miscarriages, who have a short cervix, or whose cervix opens (dilated) too early. Women who have twins are also more likely to have labor earlier. These treatments cannot prevent early labor if you are carrying more than one baby. Live a healthy lifestyle Avoid tobacco, smoking, e-cigarettes and passive smoking Don’t drink alcohol while trying to conceive and during pregnancy Do not use street drugs and avoid prescription drug abuse Eat a balanced diet with foods rich in iron and folic acid Be active every day: Try to get 30 minutes of exercise every day Get conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure under control Lose weight to avoid obesity; If you’re underweight, gain weight Lower your stress levels: Try yoga, meditation, being active, trying support groups, balancing work and life Work on having a healthy, non-violent relationship with your partner.  Take good care of yourself and your baby during pregnancy Seek prenatal care early in your pregnancy, especially if you have risk factors for preterm birth, such as: B. a history of premature birth or a problem with your uterus or cervix Participate in prenatal visits with your partner Tell your doctor or midwife if you think you have signs of preterm labor (below) Live a healthy lifestyle If you and your baby are healthy, it’s best to wait until at least 39 weeks and let labor begin on its own Know the signs of preterm labor Tell your pregnancy doctor or midwife if you: Contractions, spasms, or tightening of your uterus occur more than 4-5 times in an hour Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhoea Lower back pain that can be constant or come and go Pressure in your vagina or pelvic area Pain in your inner thighs Increased vaginal discharge Fluid leaks from your vagina – your water breaks out in a gush or trickle Bleeding of any amount from your vagina

One of the most concerning feelings that a going to be parent can have is knowing that there is a chance of premature birth. There is the happiness of having a child along with a constant concern about the child’s physical health and safety. One of the ways that you can calm yourself is approaching doctors who have dealt with premature births or parents who faced the issue at their time and seek valuable advice. Another way to calm yourself can be through yoga and exercises. Breathing exercises and deep breathing can help to make yourself at ease and divert your mind from the inevitable. GETTING MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY READY FOR PREMATURE BIRTH If you know you might have a premature birth and a baby who’ll need to stay in hospital, you and your partner might feel a range of emotions. For example, you might feel joy, love, helplessness, sadness, guilt, fear, worry or grief that your baby’s birth won’t be what you expected. It’s also good to talk to your doctor or midwife and ask questions about premature labour and birth. Speaking to other parents who’ve had a premature baby will probably help too. You might already have a birth plan. For example, you might have planned to give birth at home or at a birthing centre. But this might need to change if it looks like you’ll have a premature birth. No one knows exactly what will happen until the time comes, but it’ll help if you’ve thought about the kind of birth you want and whether it’s still the best option for you and your baby. Even if your baby has already arrived when the hospital holds its antenatal classes, it’s a good idea to go along with anything that might be relevant to you. They are not just about birth but also they teach to look after the newborns.  STAYING CALM BEFORE PREMATURE BIRTH You might feel confused or overwhelmed in the lead-up to the birth. Here are some strategies that can help you manage these strong emotions and stay calm: Do breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises or mindfulness exercises. Do activities and hobbies that relax you. For example, listen to relaxing music, go for a walk, paint, read, game or take a warm bath. Take things one step at a time. For example, focus on what you need to do today, and try not to worry about what might happen tomorrow. Worrying will only increase your tension and will cause panic is the near future. Focus on positive thoughts – for example, try thinking about your baby in a calm, loving and positive way. The idea of a baby will fill you up with strength and positivity. Ask for help if you need it. You can talk to your partner, a family member or a trusted friend. You can also talk to your doctor or midwife. PREPARING SIBLINGS FOR A PREMATURE BIRTH AND BABY It’s a good idea to talk with your older children before you go to hospital. Talking with your children about what’s happening can help them to feel less anxious and confused about the change in plans. They might worry that they caused the baby to come early, or that they’ll catch the baby’s illness. You can let them know that they didn’t do anything and they can’t catch the baby’s illness. Give your children a rough idea of how long you and their brother or sister will be in hospital – for example, how many days, weeks or sleeps. You could make a calendar that your older children can draw on. It can show when they visited, and they can also use it to cross off the days until their brother or sister comes home. It’s a good idea to explain that you and your partner might be spending a lot of time visiting the hospital. It can also help children to know who’ll be looking after them while you’re in hospital. You could talk to children about visiting the baby. If you show children pictures of premature babies, they’ll be better prepared for what the baby will look like when they visit. They could do a drawing to give to the baby, so they feel closer to their new sibling. It’s a common behaviour among older siblings to feel a sense of responsibility when they find that there’s a baby on the way and soon they will be a big brother or sister. This provides them enough motivation to understand the situation as good as they can and even help in household chores. They take pride in living up to the name of ‘big’ brother or sister. You could also read books to help your older children understand what a premature baby is like. For example, Rosie and Tortoise by Margaret Wild is about the birth of a premature baby in a rabbit family.