Prematurity Awareness Month--Tips for Mommas-to-Be

     Along with all of the joy and anticipation that pregnancy brings, come several unknowns and quite a few worries. First time moms and seasoned pros alike share a common concern─ preterm labor.  Sadly, this concern is well-founded according to the March of Dimes, as nearly half a million babies are born too soon in the United States each year.  Our countries premature birth rate has risen by 36 percent over the last 25 years.  This month is National Prematurity Awareness Month, and according to Dennis Costakos, M.D., a neonatologist at the Mayo Clinic Health system in La Crosse, Wisconsin, “one-third of the time, a preterm birth is due to infection, such as membranes rupturing.  Another third of the time, it is due to a medical condition such as preeclampsia or high blood pressure.  Other factors that can raise your risk of preterm labor also may include the following:

●Maternal age─ risk increases if you are younger than 17 and older than 35.

●Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy, or gaining either too little or too much during pregnancy.

●Chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

●Certain problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta.

●Past history of miscarriage and/or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

 

     To lower your risk of developing preterm labor, Dr. Costakos stresses the importance of prenatal care.  “Also, women should avoid smoking, and stay off of their feet as much as possible,” he states.  “A pregnant woman shouldn’t be on her feet for more than 10 hours a day.”