For your baby to have the best chance of a healthy delivery, he or she needs 40 weeks in the womb. Birth before 37 weeks (preterm birth) can cause serious disabilities, as the baby is denied the important final weeks when organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain fully develop. Disabilities caused by preterm birth include developmental delays, breathing problems, vision and/or hearing impairment, and feeding difficulties. Early births can also result in death. According to the CDC, preterm birth was related to about a third of all infant deaths in 2010.
About a third of preterm births are also associated with premature rupture of membranes (PROM). In other words, the mother’s water breaks earlier than it should. When the membranes rupture before the pregnancy has reached 37 weeks, the condition is known as preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
When a baby stays in the womb after the membranes rupture, the risk of infection increases — which is dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, if labor does not occur naturally soon after the rupture, labor may be induced. This decision will be made by the doctor based on the length of the pregnancy at the time of rupture and other risk factors.
In most cases, the cause of PROM is not known and diagnosing PROM has been challenging. However, to help increase the odds that your baby will reach full term, you can take the following steps:
Stop Smoking
If you smoke cigarettes, the most important step you can take is to stop smoking immediately. Smoking during pregnancy is highly correlated with PROM. Smoking is also associated with other serious conditions, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and low birth weight as well as ectopic pregnancy and placental complications, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ask your healthcare provider if you need guidance on smoking cessation methods.
Eat Healthy
You’re eating for two now, and a sensible diet is important for the health of both of you. Vitamin C may be particularly important. Research has suggested that lack of Vitamin C in the mother’s diet — both before and during pregnancy — increases the risk of early membrane rupture and early delivery. Try adding some C-high fruits (citrus, berries, melons) and vegetables (broccoli, peppers, leafy greens) to your daily diet!
Reduce Exposure to Chemicals
Research is young on the multitude of chemicals used in products today. To be on the safe side, you should limit your exposure to as many potentially hazardous chemicals as possible while you’re pregnant. For example, a study found a link between spontaneous preterm birth and exposure to phthalates, which are used in a wide variety of plastic products (garden hoses and shower curtains) and personal care products (shampoo and cosmetics). Skip the perfume, stay away from plastic when you can, and avoid phthalates.
Stay (Sensibly) Active
Your health directly influences the health of your baby. Stay physically active with cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises — as much as makes sense for the stage of your pregnancy and your level of fitness health. Even a moderately paced walk a few days a week can provide both physical and mental health benefits.
Remember, before you make any major lifestyle changes, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she can help you determine which strategies may be best to help you take your pregnancy to full term.
*Our content is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis of individual problems or circumstances, nor should it be implied that we are a substitute for professional medical advice. Users / readers are always advised to consult their Healthcare Professional prior to starting any new remedy, therapy or treatment. Your Wellness Group accepts no liability in the event you, a user of n-gage and a reader of this article, suffers a loss as a result of reliance upon or inappropriate application of the information.
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