Premature Birth and Labour

Prematurity

• A baby born before 37 weeks of gestation is considered premature.
• The duration of a normal pregnancy is 40 weeks.

Risk Factors of Premature Labour

• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease increase the risk of premature labour.
• Multiple pregnancy (twins) is a risk factor.
• Infections like malaria and urine infection can lead to premature labour.
• Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy increase the risk of premature labour.
• Pregnancy before 20 years or after 40 years is also a risk factor.

Problems of Prematurity

• Infections are a common problem in premature babies.
• Feeding problems can occur due to prematurity.
• Breathing problems can occur due to lung immaturity.
• Brain haemorrhage is a potential complication of prematurity.
• Jaundice can occur due to immaturity of liver enzymes.
• Premature babies may have difficulty regulating their body temperature.
• Pauses in respiration can occur.
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (infection of the intestines) is a potential complication.

Management of Prematurity

• Safe labour practices can help prevent complications.
• Protection from infections is crucial for premature babies.
• Adequate feeding is essential for premature babies.
• Keeping the baby warm is vital.
• Oxygen therapy may be necessary in some cases.

Prevention of Premature Labour

• Drugs such as tocolytics and steroids can help prevent premature labour during pregnancy.
• Good antenatal care can reduce the risk of premature labour.
• Managing chronic infections can help prevent premature labour.

Small for Date Baby

• A baby with a birth weight less than the 10th percentile of gestational age is considered small for dates.
• Placental insufficiency is a cause of small for dates babies.
• Chronic and acute infections, such as malaria, can cause small for dates babies.
• Chronic illnesses such as kidney disease and hypertension can cause small for dates babies.

Complications of SGA

• Hypoglycemia can occur in small for dates babies.
• Hypocalcemia can occur in small for dates babies.
• Early neonatal death is a potential complication of small for dates babies.

Postmature Baby

• A baby born after 42 weeks of pregnancy or 294 days is considered postmature.
• Genetic factors can contribute to postmaturity.
• Obesity can increase the risk of postmaturity.

Complications of Postmaturity

• Postmaturity can lead to difficult labour, prolonged labour, and birth trauma to both the baby and mother.
• The baby may have dry, thin, loose, and peeling skin.
• The baby may have long nails.

Term Baby

• A baby born between 37 and 42 weeks is considered a term baby.
• The average weight of a term baby is around 3.5 kg.
• The average length of a term baby is around 50 cm.
• The average head circumference of a term baby is around 35 cm plus or minus 2 cm.
• The average heart rate of a term baby is around 120 beats per minute.
• The average respiratory rate of a term baby is around 60 breaths per minute.
• Term babies typically have good tone and are active.