Preterm-Born Mothers More Prone to Preterm Babies

A study revealed that mothers who were born prematurely are at increased risk of having at least one child born prematurely, too. ... read more »

The Effects of Premature Labor on Your Baby

Although most babies born a few weeks early do well with no health consequences, the earlier they are born, the more health problems they will have. Learn how premature labor may affect your baby. ... read more »

Pregnancy Complications with Multiple Births

Pregnancy complications in twins are many-fold higher than with a singleton baby and include a higher rate of premature deliveries and fetal anomalies. ... read more »

Risks of Preterm or Premature Labor and Delivery

Learn about contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks. ... read more »

Hepatitis A and Pregnancy

Hepatitis A (HAV) is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Other viral liver infections are caused by hepatits B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses. There is an increased risk of premature delivery if you become infected with HBV during pregnancy. ... read more »

Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes - PROM

Premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM) is when the fetal membranes break prior to labor. ... read more »

Premature Labor Symptoms and Signs - When To Call The Doctor

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. ... read more »

Magnesium Sulfate May Reduce Cerebral Palsy

Magnesium sulfate is an intravenous medication often given to women in order to prevent premature births. A recent study shows that it also may possibly reduce the chances of babies later being diagnosed with moderate to severe cerebral palsy. ... read more »

Later Preterm Infants May Have Difficulties in Childhood

A full term birth occurs one or after the 37th week of gestation. Preterm birth occurs any time before that 37th week. ... read more »

Cerebral Palsy Risk in Early or Late Delivery

Preterm birth is a known risk factor for cerebral palsy, but researchers have now added weeks 37 and 42+ to that list. According to a study published by the Journal of American Medical Association, the lowest risk occurs when children are born at 40 weeks. ... read more »

There is a New HeRO for Premature Infants

J. Randall Moorman, a cardiologist from the University of Virginia co-invented the HeRO system to reduce the number of fatalities in the premature population. ... read more »

The Fetus Knows Pain Earlier Than We Thought

Most mothers believe baby is immune to pain while in-utero, but new research reveals the fetus can feel the difference between pain and normal touch as early as 35 weeks gestation. ... read more »

Impact of Breastfeeding on Mother and Newborn

There was no significant difference in full-term or non-full-term births rates and mean newborn birth weight between for those who continued and discontinued breastfeeding during pregnancy.  ... read more »

Tocolytic Therapy for Preterm Delivery

This is a great review from the British Medical Journal of tocolytic therapy, treatment to stop preterm labor. It reviews  what works and what does not. There are two tocolytics that seem to have the highest success rate: prostaglandin inhibitors (eg indomethacin, ketorolac)  performed best closely followed by calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, nitrates). ... read more »

Obesity in Early Pregnancy and Premature Deliveries

Obesity is associated with many pregnancy complications and obese women are at increased risk of premature deliveries. ... read more »

Dental Problems May be Linked to Premature Birth

The treatment of gum disease may be a contributing factor in keeping premature birth at bay. A study published by BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reports a significant link between periodontitis and preterm birth. ... read more »