Each year, in Ireland, approximately 5,000 babies are born prematurely, i.e. before 37 weeks’ gestation are completed. Early delivery can be either planned in advanced or unexpected. For approximately 25 - 33 % of preterm babies, there is no obvious reason why preterm delivery occurred. It is nobody’s fault. However, for some babies it is because of a problem with the pregnancy, or a pregnancy with multiples, or the is baby is unwell and gives a signal that it is time to arrive.
If it is expected that your baby will arrive early, every effort will be made to prolong the pregnancy; providing it is safe for mum and baby. However, sometimes these efforts do not help and the baby arrives early.
The exact cause of preterm labour is not known, but we do know that some factors/events do contribute to it. The following health conditions and events may contribute to the preterm delivery of a baby:
• Preeclampsia
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy with multiples
• Infection
• Mother’s age
• Problems with the baby’s development
• Cervical incompetence
• Preterm premature rupture of membranes
• Vaginal bleeding
• Heart disease
• Lack of antenatal care
• Poor nutrition
• Substance abuse
• Kidney disease
• One or more previous miscarriages or pre-term births
• Previous delivery of four or more children
• Short time between pregnancies
• Severe illness of mother
• High level of stress
• IVF or previous fertility treatment
• A traumatic event