prematurity

Premature labor and delivery is the #1 reason for newborn death. You should call the doctor or go to the hospital if you have any of these symptoms or signs.

NICU is the abbreviation for the neonatal intensive care unit of a
hospital. Infants born premature or in need of advanced medical care may
be admitted to the NICU for observation and treatment.

Premature infants are born before the 37th week gestation.
The earlier an infant is born, the greater the chance special care will
be required before the infant is discharged from the hospital.

Infants born weighing less than 2,500 grams or 5.5 pounds are considered
low birth weight. Some low birth weight infants are born premature
while others are born on-time, but still weigh less than average.

In pregnancy, the term "viabilty" is often used to describe different situation. Viability may apply to the baby potentially surviving if born prematurely, and it also may mean that the fetus is still alive inside the uterus.

The pH of the vagina may be a good indicator of complications to come. During a model project spanning from 2004 to 2006, pregnant patients were asked to use test gloves to measure the pH of the vagina twice a week for 20 weeks.

Preterm or premature labor is when there are contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks gestation.

Is weight gain during pregnancy related to premature delivery?

What are the odds of preterm delivery?

The cervix is the cylindrical mouth of the uterus, separating it from the vagina. Normally, the cervix is at least 3-4 cm long (about 1 1/2 inches), and its length in pregnancy strengthens the protection of the fetus.

Are premature contractions a problem?

Signs and symptoms of premature labor

The following are risk factors for increased risk of premature labor and premature births.

There is a reverse direct relationship between cervical length and the risk of premature births.