8 causes of preterm labour you ought to know

A full term pregnancy is usually considered to be around 39 weeks or 40 weeks of gestation. If the labour pains start anytime soon or before the 37th week of pregnancy, it is termed as a preterm labour or premature labour. Often a preterm labour leads to early childbirth or premature delivery. However, in some rare cases, with adequate medical assistance and proper treatment, the symptoms of preterm labour can be countered for the delivery to happen on the expected date too.

‘In almost 50 per cent of preterm labour and delivery the exact reason for the same cannot be identified. Still there are a few parameters that can serve to be the warning signs or probable causes for the same,’ says a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, SDD Hospital, Navi Mumbai. Here are a few probable causes that could lead to preterm labour.

Chorioamnionitis
This is a condition where the fetal membranes of the uterus get inflamed due to bacterial invasion. Vaginal infection during pregnancy is common, but there are times when the bacteria from the vagina can reach the uterus and disrupt the normalcy of the womb. ‘This condition is one of the most common causes of preterm labour that in most cases leads to premature birth of the baby,’ informs a Dr.

Infections
With low immunity during pregnancy, infections are a common occurrence and a threat to a healthy pregnancy. This is because when a woman acquires an infection there are certain substances that are released in the body that initiates contraction of the uterus and leads to preterm labour. The most common form of infections that leads to the same are as follows,

• Urinary tract infection: Now a urinary tract infection can happen at any place in the urinary tract that starts from the kidneys and ends in the urethra, a short tube that carries the urine out of the body. ‘An UTI infection has the strongest association with preterm labour and premature delivery,’ says Dr Sinha. Here are more signs and symptoms that could imply you are in labour.
• Vaginal infections: There can be a number of causes that could give rise to a vaginal infection during pregnancy that in turn can give rise to symptoms of preterm labour. Some of the common vaginal infections that are thought to be responsible for the same are trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, streptococcal infection, Chlamydia.

Placental abnormalities:
Placental abnormalities are also thought to be a probable cause of preterm labour. Some common problems of the placenta that could lead to preterm labour are as follows,

• Low lying placenta: If an expectant mother is diagnosed with a low-lying placenta or placenta previa, it is said that she might run a higher risk of experiencing early labour. However, in most cases if the condition is detected early it can be managed effectively and lead to a timely delivery.
• Placenta abruption: In this condition the placenta separates itself from the wall of the uterus before completing the required period of gestation and induces early labour. This is a serious medical condition which can lead to vaginal bleeding and might necessitate an emergency C-section. However, in some cases proper bed rest and treatment can help one cope and deliver on the expected due date too.

Cervical incompetence
At times, one’s cervix or the opening of the uterus might dilate before the baby turns full-term. This happens when a woman suffers from cervical incompetence. Usually an ultrasound during the early days of pregnancy can detect the condition. If neglected premature dilation can lead to breaking of the water bag and lead to premature delivery. 

Multiple pregnancies
Mothers carrying twins or triplets are at a higher risk of delivering prematurely because the extra weight of the fetuses exert excess pressure on the uterus that lead to preterm labour before the pregnancy reaches its full-term.

Excess amniotic fluid
When in the womb, the baby floats in the amniotic fluid which protects and nurtures the fetus. But too much or too less of the same can lead to labour complications. Excess amniotic fluid in the womb can at times lead to over-distention of the womb and set contractions early. Most of the time with this kind of condition there is an increased association of birth defects in the prematurely born baby.  

Lifestyle conditions
Maternal health is of utmost importance to ensure a healthy pregnancy and optimal fetal health. However, certain lifestyle conditions suffered by the mother like chronic hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, severe anemia can lead to preterm labour. In most cases, conditions can be controlled to avoid any unfortunate events related to labour. Apart from that, continuous smoking and regular intake of alcohol can again put one at the risk of the same.

Fetal abnormalities
Certain health condition of the fetus can also be responsible for preterm labour, at times. Conditions like neural tube defects, metabolic disorder or any congenital defects can lead to the same.   
In case you are at the risk of suffering a premature labour, watch for the symptoms of labour closely. Reach for the doctor on time to get necessary medical help. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    

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