Genetic And Structural Abnormalities: Understanding Key Reasons For Preterm Birth

Birth before thirty-seven weeks of pregnancy is called premature birth. Many babies born prematurely can experience several issues including learning disabilities, vision and hearing problems, heart problems, Blood problems, Metabolism problems and so on. Having a clear knowledge regarding the causes and risks behind preterm birth can help to prevent this condition early.

According to the report by the World Health Organisation, approximately 13.4 million babies were born prematurely in 2020, which means one in ten babies are born prematurely, according to the data. On the other hand, in 2019, preterm birth occurred in an estimated 10.9 per cent of live births totalling 15.2 million infants globally.

Therefore, it is necessary to understand the causes of preterm birth:

Infections and inflammation:

Premature birth occurs mainly because of infections or inflammation during pregnancy. The substance released by the body’s immune system is called prostaglandins to fight infection, which causes contractions in the uterus and creates premature labour in pregnant women.

Various pregnancies:

Women who conceive twins, triplets or multiple foetuses are at a higher risk of preterm birth. In such cases, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes put pressure on the uterus and induce labour.

Chronic conditions:

High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and many other chronic diseases are responsible for preterm birth. These conditions change the function of the umbilical cord and fetal growth and induce preterm labour.

Genetic factors:

Studies suggest that genetic factors are also responsible for premature birth. If the woman’s mother had a preterm birth, then the woman is more likely to have a preterm birth as well.

Structural Abnormalities:

Problems related to the cervix can cause miscarriage and stillbirth in the second trimester.

Risk factors for preterm birth:

Women who have previously gone through preterm delivery are more likely to have it again.

Women who got pregnant at a very young age or old age are more likely to have a premature birth than other women.

Some infections, mainly those of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract are also responsible for increasing the risk.

Other factors include injuries or trauma to the body.

Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors like use of tobacco, alcohol consumption and drug use during pregnancy can trigger preterm birth. Also, women who are economically less privileged, do not have access to adequate medical facilities and nutrition. They also live in high stress and polluted environment which are some of the reasons for preterm birth.

When a child is conceived less than six months after delivery, in that situation, preterm birth can occur. Generally, after delivery woman’s body needs adequate rest and replenishment because of lost nutrients. Failure to do this can lead to various problems.

The exact reason for preterm birth is often unknown, but prevention can be done to help lower the risk of preterm birth which includes, taking progesterone supplements and cervical cerclage which is a surgery that is done during pregnancy.