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premature birth

  • National Infant Mortality Awareness Month

    Did you know that nearly seven babies will die before their first birthday for every thousand who are born in the U.S.? In recognition of September as the National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, I'd like to share some SMART tips to pregnant women:

  • Recognizing Preterm Labor

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I am 27 weeks pregnant, and am concerned because the baby feels extremely low in my pelvis. There is more pressure on my bladder than normal.

    I've been having false contractions on and off for the last week. Is this a sign of the baby being born pre-mature?

  • How Does Terbutaline Affect the Baby?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I recently started having preterm labor at 26 weeks. I am now 28 weeks and 1 cm dilated external os 0 cm dilated internal os. I'm on strict bedrest and Terbutaline 5 mg every six hours.

    My doctor tried to decrease but I started with more contractions so I am on this medication for a while.

  • Trouble Getting Pregnant

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,

  • Taking the Pressure Out of Pregnancy

    Stress during pregnancy can have some adverse consequences, including an increased risk of premature labor, premature birth and low birth-weight babies. What can make the difference is how early the stress is recognized and steps taken to offset the risks

  • Preventing Premature Births

    While some risk factors for premature delivery are beyond our control, prenatal care and lifestyles changes can help some women lower their risk of having a premature delivery. Find out how you can give your little one the best chances of being full term.

  • Coping With Separation From Your Baby

    Being discharged without your baby may feel like the most devastating separation. Even if you knew you were likely to deliver prematurely, you probably didn't envision leaving the hospital with empty arms. Seeing other mothers being discharged with their healthy newborns presents an unbearable cruel contrast with your situation. To cope with being separated from your baby, try any of the following ideas that feel right to you:

  • Preemies Have Tough Time Catching Up

    A baby is considered premature if born before the 37th week of pregnancy. A baby is considered at low birth weight if the infant weights less than 2,500 grams, or 5.5 pounds. Very low birth weight babies weigh 1,500 grams to about 3 pounds, sometimes less. What is interesting is how these children catch up with their peers later in life!

  • How Does Terbutaline Affect the Baby?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I recently started having preterm labor at 26 weeks. I am now 28 weeks and 1 cm dilated external os 0 cm dilated internal os. I'm on strict bedrest and Terbutaline 5 mg every six hours.

    My doctor tried to decrease but I started with more contractions so I am on this medication for a while.

  • Coping With Separation From Your Baby

    Being discharged without your baby may feel like the most devastating separation. Even if you knew you were likely to deliver prematurely, you probably didn't envision leaving the hospital with empty arms. Seeing other mothers being discharged with their healthy newborns presents an unbearable cruel contrast with your situation. To cope with being separated from your baby, try any of the following ideas that feel right to you:

  • Preventing Premature Births

    While some risk factors for premature delivery are beyond our control, prenatal care and lifestyles changes can help some women lower their risk of having a premature delivery. Find out how you can give your little one the best chances of being full term.

  • Trouble Getting Pregnant

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,

  • Preemies Have Tough Time Catching Up

    A baby is considered premature if born before the 37th week of pregnancy. A baby is considered at low birth weight if the infant weights less than 2,500 grams, or 5.5 pounds. Very low birth weight babies weigh 1,500 grams to about 3 pounds, sometimes less. What is interesting is how these children catch up with their peers later in life!

  • Taking the Pressure Out of Pregnancy

    Stress during pregnancy can have some adverse consequences, including an increased risk of premature labor, premature birth and low birth-weight babies. What can make the difference is how early the stress is recognized and steps taken to offset the risks

  • Recognizing Preterm Labor

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I am 27 weeks pregnant, and am concerned because the baby feels extremely low in my pelvis. There is more pressure on my bladder than normal.

    I've been having false contractions on and off for the last week. Is this a sign of the baby being born pre-mature?

  • National Infant Mortality Awareness Month

    Did you know that nearly seven babies will die before their first birthday for every thousand who are born in the U.S.? In recognition of September as the National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, I'd like to share some SMART tips to pregnant women: