Having a baby between the 20th and 37th week is considered premature. Most premature births are deliberate, planned attempts by the obstetrician due to some health complication. However a small percentage of pregnancies result in unplanned premature labor. Possible factors responsible for this are:

• Over-distended uterus because there is more than one baby in the uterus or too much amniotic fluid

• Incompetent cervix (your cervix is not tightly closed)


• Early rupture of the membranes of the amniotic sac (water breaking)

• UTI in the mother

• Overwork, stress and some maternal concerns like anemia or malnutrition
With special care preterm babies as young as 24 weeks can survive. By week 30, chances of survival increases by 90% and more than 80% will be fine with some special care.

Some friendly pointers if you are at risk
1. Make your pregnancy stress-free: don't attempt anything new. Don't make elaborate plans. Pamper yourself. Overindulgence doesn't equal to being selfish; you are just taking care of you and your baby.

2. Any changes you go through, inform your doctor or clinic.

3. Keep emergency numbers and names in easy-to-see places; carry them in your handbag, stick them on the fridge or place them near the phone.

4. Don't worry about what others may think about your excessive concerns i.e. the nurse, your doctor.

5. Keep your information-kitty containing books, pamphlets, your mother's notes etc in an accessible place. Store them such that you can retrieve them easily when you wish to read up on a peculiar side effect or funny feeling.

6. Share your fears with your partner or a friend; don't bottle up.

7. Skip strenuous workouts

8. Don't worry about getting all your chores done in one day; spread them over the days

9. If working, get an early leave of absence form your job; get a note from your doctor as supporting document if reactions at work bother you

10. Stop lifting heavy objects and bags

11. Spend some time putting your feet up and sit still as often and as long as you can

12. Discuss sex issues with your doctor at your routine visits because your doctor may want you to abstain from intercourse until after the baby is born. High risk mums will be instructed to stay off sex after the fifth month.

Common premie Characteristics
• These babies differ from full term babies in a number of ways but these are usually temporary ways.

• Premies weigh less

• They are small, red, wrinkly and frail with large heads and hands

• Blood vessels can easily be seen under the pale skin since there isn't much fat

• There is a layer of fine hair on the body (lanugo)

• Their motor functions like breathing and feeding are less efficient

• They tend to be irritable in the early days though this can be dealt with soothing care, soft noises and love