Ashley
11-07-2009, 12:51 PM
Why does premature birth happen?
Sometimes, there's just no explanation for why a mum-to-be has her baby early. However, we do know that certain factors play a part in bringing a baby into the world earlier than expected.
If you're pregnant with twins or triplets, you may have your babies earlier than if you were pregnant with one (Haas 2008). If you've already had a premature baby, there's a slightly higher chance of you having another premature birth. However, four out of five who have had one premature baby have their next baby at the normal time (Tommy's 2004, Adams et al 2000).
Social factors play a part, too. Girls under 16 and who have little support are the most likely to have a premature baby. A woman's age, class, education and the type of job she does, if it involves long hours and strenuous activity, can affect her chances of having a baby early (Haas 2008). (Employers have a duty to protect pregnant women from working in hazardous conditions, so if you're worried about the demands of your job, make sure you know your rights.
Looking after yourself can help reduce your risk of having a premature baby. Smoking, taking drugs and being underweight are all linked with problems that can cause premature birth (Lamont 2006, Steer 2006b).
Sometimes, there's just no explanation for why a mum-to-be has her baby early. However, we do know that certain factors play a part in bringing a baby into the world earlier than expected.
If you're pregnant with twins or triplets, you may have your babies earlier than if you were pregnant with one (Haas 2008). If you've already had a premature baby, there's a slightly higher chance of you having another premature birth. However, four out of five who have had one premature baby have their next baby at the normal time (Tommy's 2004, Adams et al 2000).
Social factors play a part, too. Girls under 16 and who have little support are the most likely to have a premature baby. A woman's age, class, education and the type of job she does, if it involves long hours and strenuous activity, can affect her chances of having a baby early (Haas 2008). (Employers have a duty to protect pregnant women from working in hazardous conditions, so if you're worried about the demands of your job, make sure you know your rights.
Looking after yourself can help reduce your risk of having a premature baby. Smoking, taking drugs and being underweight are all linked with problems that can cause premature birth (Lamont 2006, Steer 2006b).