How to Lower The Risk of a Premature Birth

A baby is one gift you don’t want to arrive early. That’s because babies born more than three weeks before their due date often face serious health problems. Immediate concerns can include complications such as low birth weight and trouble breathing. Longer-term issues include hearing and vision problems, learning disabilities and poor growth, among others.

Premature birth is one of the leading causes of infant death — both in the U.S. and globally. The U.S. is one of the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, according to the March of Dimes. The organization’s 2023 Report Card noted that the country’s preterm birth rate is 10.4 percent, earning the U.S. a D+ for the second year in a row. Florida’s preterm rate is slightly worse at 10.6 percent.

The risk is even higher for Black women. Nationally, almost 17 percent of Black babies are born prematurely each year. Researchers don’t know why race plays a role in premature birth but are studying the issue to learn more.

Learn about Memorial Healthcare System's community-based maternity care approach.

What is Premature Birth?

A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks.

When a mom delivers her baby before week 37, the baby is considered premature, preterm or “preemie.” The earlier babies are born, the higher their chances for health risks.

Some women have a preemie because their provider induced labor due to a medical issue. Others go into labor early without warning.

Even if you do everything “right” during pregnancy, your baby may arrive early. But you can take steps to lower the risk.

Many Factors Can Increase the Risk of Premature Birth

According to the March of Dimes, the following can make you more likely than others to have a premature baby:

• Reproductive health problems with the uterus, cervix, or placenta.
• You’re expecting multiples (i.e., twins, triplets or more).
• Previously gave birth to a preemie. 
• Younger than 17 or older than 35 when you get pregnant.
• Underweight or obese before pregnancy.
• Get pregnant too soon after having a baby.
• Have a family history of premature births.
• Work long hours, stand a lot, or live with high stress.

Some medical conditions increase your risk as well. The most common include connective tissue disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Assisted reproductive methods (such as in vitro fertilization) can also play a role. That’s because these methods more often result in multiple gestations (like twins and triplets) and higher-risk pregnancies.

Steps to Take Before Getting Pregnant to Prevent Having a Premature Birth

If you’re planning for a pregnancy, taking a few steps right now can help reduce the risk of premature babies. Good steps include the following:

• If you already had a premature baby, talk to your provider about medication that can help lower your risk in future pregnancies.
• Space your pregnancies at least 18 months apart. Waiting gives your body time to heal.
• Stay at or get to a healthy weight for your body.

What Can Pregnant Women Do to Prevent Having a Premature Birth?

Whether you just found out you’re expecting or you’re far along in your pregnancy, you can make changes to reduce the risk of premature birth. Follow these steps:

• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, take opioids or use recreational drugs.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. Good nutrition helps your baby develop and grow.
• Go to all your prenatal appointments.
• Manage chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Your provider can help.
• Manage your stress.

Protect yourself from infections by ensuring you are up-to-date on vaccinations and washing your hands often. Avoid raw meat, fish and eggs. And ask someone else to clean your cat’s litterbox, as cat poop can put you and your baby at risk.

Good Prenatal Care is Essential

Getting good prenatal care is one of the most important ways to lower the risk of premature birth. If you are considering getting pregnant, make an appointment with your OB/GYN or another childbirth and delivery provider. If you are already pregnant, go to all your prenatal visits. This helps your provider identify potential concerns early on and provide care to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.

Memorial Family Birthplace offers comprehensive maternity and childbirth classes, labor and delivery services, and postpartum support. With locations in Hollywood, Miramar and Pembroke Pines, our caring team welcomes the most babies in Broward County each year. We can help you prepare for the healthiest pregnancy, labor and delivery possible.

Our NICU Specialists Provide Expert Care for Newborns

In the event you do have a premature birth, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital performs the highest level of NICU care in the state, for the tiniest and most critically ill babies. We provide up to Level IV NICU care to ensure newborns receive comprehensive, specialized care throughout their stay.