PLANNING FOR HEALTHY BABIESSummarize preventable risks for preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies, including induced abortion, smoking, alcohol consumption, the use of illicit drugs, and inadequate prenatal care.
Objectives• Define preterm/premature birth• Review the possible negative consequences of preterm birth
• List possible preventable risk behaviors for preterm birth
Preterm/Premature Birth• According to the March of Dimes, a preterm or premature baby is one born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.
Potential Problems due to Preterm Birth
Short Term (first few weeks of life)• Breathing problems• Heart problems• Brain problems• Temperature control problems• Gastrointestinal problems• Blood problems• Metabolism problems• Immune system problems
Source: Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/premature-birth/DS00137/DSECTION=complications)
Potential Problems due to Preterm Birth
Long Term• Cerebral Palsy (disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture)
• Impaired Cognitive Skills, like Learning Disabilities• Vision Problems• Hearing Problems• Dental Problems• Behavioral Problems• Chronic Health Issues
Source: Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/premature-birth/DS00137/DSECTION=complications)
Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Being underweight or obese before getting pregnant
Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Smoking
Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Poor social support as well as high levels of stress
Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Certain medical conditions
Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Some Types of Infections
Preventable Risks of Preterm DeliveryStarting prenatal care late or not going to prenatal appointments as recommended.
Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Having babies too close together
Possible Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Induced Abortions
Think, Pair, Share• Think of two or three ways people could reduce their risks for pre-term births.
• Find a partner, each share your ideas. • Each pair partner with another pair, share your ideas.
Questions?
Good Sources of Information on Preterm Babies
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention• March of Dimes• Mayo Clinic• National Institutes of Health