How to prevent premature babies, what should be done?

Premature birth is a common thing. However, this condition is certainly not expected, let alone desired by all prospective mothers. Moreover, sometimes, the cause cannot be detected early. This condition can happen to anyone but it is still possible to prevent it. Here are some ways to prevent premature babies that you need to know!

Ways that can be done to prevent premature babies

Don't despair just yet if you have had a history of preterm birth. Although previous preterm birth is the highest risk factor, it is not impossible that you will have a healthy and normal baby in your next pregnancy.

Here are various things that need to be done to prevent premature birth:

1. Pregnancy distance must be considered

Quoted from the University of Utah Health, one way to prevent premature babies is to adjust the distance between the first and second pregnancies.

It would be much better if you were 18 months apart from the previous preterm birth.

The closer the second pregnancy is to the premature birth, this will only increase your risk of having another premature baby. One way to avoid this is to use contraception first.

2. Avoid smoking.

Smoking increases the risk of preterm birth. Therefore, stop smoking for pregnant women if you want your baby to be born normally.

This method of preventing premature births should be considered carefully because if this is done it can endanger the development of the fetus.

3. Be careful with possible infections

Infection can increase the risk of preterm birth. If you experience a viral or bacterial infection during pregnancy, consult a doctor immediately as a way to prevent the baby from being born prematurely.

4. Take a multivitamin

Taking multivitamins is also one way to prevent premature babies. Experts recommend that every woman should take folic acid even if there are no plans to get pregnant in the near future.

The long-term benefits include helping to prevent birth defects and lowering the chances of preterm birth.

5. Avoid the yo-yo diet

The yo-yo diet is an unhealthy diet because instead of losing weight, it actually increases your weight by several times.

If your diet is unhealthy, this will only make your body hungrier.

It is known that being overweight or underweight actually increases your chances of having a premature baby.

For this reason, maintaining an ideal body weight with a healthy diet recommended by doctors is an effective way to prevent premature births.

6. Controlling the health problems that are owned

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney disease can also cause your baby to be born prematurely.

If indeed you are planning to become pregnant and have a history of the disease, you should discuss this with your doctor.

The way to prevent premature babies that can be done is to ensure that your condition is under control by following the treatment recommended by your doctor.

7. Pay attention when doing fertility treatment

Keep in mind if this one treatment can increase your chances of getting pregnant with twins. Unfortunately, pregnancies of twins or more than two also carry risks such as the birth of a premature baby.

So, the way to prevent premature babies that can be done is to consult a doctor. Consult to reduce your chances of having twins.

8. Stay physically active

When pregnant, there's nothing wrong with staying active or adding to your activities. This is done to reduce the risk of other disease conditions such as diabetes and pre-eclampsia that can cause premature babies.

No need to do sports that are too strenuous, you can try like walking or swimming. However, if you can't do a way to prevent premature babies like this, consult your doctor again.

9. Maintain healthy teeth and gums.

What does healthy teeth and gums have to do with premature babies? As strange as it may sound, you can also prevent premature babies by practicing oral hygiene.

Researchers have found a link between tooth decay, gum disease and preterm birth.

Research shows that inflammation and infection of the gums can affect births. So, it is better if you have dental problems during pregnancy, consult your doctor immediately.

10. Avoid food poisoning

It has been explained a little above that the infection not only harms the immune system but can also be associated with the condition of preterm birth.

One way to prevent the baby from being born prematurely is to avoid things that make the body infected, such as being careful in choosing food.

Certain foods may contain bad bacteria for the baby's body as well. In addition, pay attention to food hygiene and hygienic areas of the body.

11. Meet the doctor regularly

How to prevent babies born prematurely this one should be done regularly. After all, it is the doctor who knows how you and the baby is in the womb.

Don't hesitate to share any symptoms that raise your concerns. Including if you have a history of preterm labor.

Is there a greater risk of giving birth to a premature baby if you have already had it?

The birth of a premature baby is the biggest risk factor that can cause a mother to have a premature baby in the next pregnancy.

This risk will continue to increase when a mother has experienced more than one preterm birth.

In one study it was reported that the risk of preterm delivery increased by 15% if the mother had one preterm baby.

Then, the risk again increases to 40% if the mother has two premature babies.

Meanwhile, if there are three premature babies that are owned, the risk of giving birth to a premature baby in the next delivery increases to 70%.

However, all these risks only occur in women who have had a history of spontaneous preterm labor. Not the result of being induced or intentional to give birth to a premature baby.

Conclusion

It should be noted that babies born prematurely cannot always be prevented. However, mothers who are enjoying their pregnancy can help reduce the odds by means of the precautions described above.

If you are pregnant or have plans to become pregnant, consult your doctor. Women who receive regular care tend to have healthier pregnancies and babies.

Not only that, if you have a premature birth, don't forget to take care of your premature baby carefully.