• Home
  • About
  • Life Style
  • Family
  • Tips
  • Health
  • Business
  • Pets
  • Recipes
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter

When Parents Text

When Parents Text

How to Prevent a Preterm Birth During Your Second Pregnancy

February 1, 2021 by Annie

Nature has deemed that it is the female that conceives, carries her unborn child for nine months and then gives birth. New life enters this world having grown in the womb until strong enough to survive with a mother’s suckling and begin its first tentative steps towards eventual self-sustained life.

The nine months gestation period is the time nature requires to allow the embryo to evolve in the womb through the mother’s sustenance. Those nine months are critical to the unborn child’s growth and development, giving them the maximum chance of survival post birth. Although the vast majority of pregnancies progress through the nine months of gestation, and some a little longer, there are those babies that are born prematurely.

Premature, referred to as preterm, births are not uncommon. In fact, in America 9.8% of births are premature, across Asia this figure rises to 11%. There can be numerous reasons for a mother having a preterm baby. Known contributory factors include, smoking, drinking, stress, and poor dietary nutrition, there are also many underlying health issues that cause premature birth, such as diabetes and other diseases that require medication.

Preterm babies are at risk from a myriad of health problems, both as a baby and throughout their entire life. The nine-month gestation period is vital for the development of the unborn child’s vital organs, extremely premature babies may be born underweight and very poorly, and thus, require extensive medical care immediately following birth.

For a mother having had a preterm baby, the risk of a second child being premature rises by around 15%. Every mother wants their unborn child to be strong and healthy, and so, will want their pregnancy to go full term, especially after experiencing the early birthing of a child. Mothers that have experienced a preterm birth can be proactive in helping to avoid a second child arriving early.

How to Avoid the Preterm birth of a Second child

There are numerous actions a pregnant mother can take to increase the chances of her pregnancy going full term. Although many of these actions seem very obvious, there are some expectant mothers that need to be informed and encouraged to give thought to their own lifestyle and how it affects their unborn child.

Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking have undeniable health issues for everyone, for a woman carrying a baby these issues are far more critical, the effects of smoking and drinking on an unborn child can be devastating. It is known that these activities cause intrauterine growth restriction and increase the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Smokers increase the chances of a preterm birth by 40%. Would-be mothers that smoke should give up at least three months before trying to conceive a child. Alcohol consumption increases preterm birth risks dependent on the level of consumption. Light drinkers raise the risk by 1.8% with the risk rising to around 30% for heavy drinkers.

Underlying Health Issues

Any mother-to-be with health problems must adhere strictly to any advised health regime they have been directed to by their doctor or health care professional. Fresh advice should be taken in reference to existing health problems prior to trying to conceive, medications and practices may need to be adjusted to suit the would-be mothers condition following conception. Diabetes and high blood pressure are known conditions that can lead to preterm births.

Dietary Concerns

A mother’s diet plays a significant role in her pregnancy and the development of her unborn child. Astonishingly, research by the University of Adelaide, and published in Science Daily, indicates that a poor diet can increase the likelihood of a preterm birth by as much as 50%. This increase is due to a lack of essential nutrients. Expectant mothers should ensure that they follow a healthy diet with a balance across the five food groups, mothers in any doubt about their dietary needs should seek expert advice.

Sleep and Rest

There is no doubt that expectant mothers easily become tired, both physically and mentally. Sleep and rest are vital during pregnancy for both mother and unborn child. Reduced blood flow to the uterus is known to increase the risk of a preterm birth, sleep is essential in helping to ensure the blood flow, with eight hours being recommended by all health professionals. Expectant mothers with sleep disorders raise their risks of preterm birth by around 5.5%.

Stress and Anxiety

Maternal stress and anxiety are very real, and a well-established fact that contributes to the risk of preterm birth. Learning to avoid stressful situations is vital during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should take advice on avoiding stress and on methods of dealing with stress and anxiety. Health professionals can give practical advice and, where necessary, refer expectant mothers to a doctor for a medical check-up, a doctor can offer treatment to aid expectant mothers suffering with stress and anxiety.

Sexual Activity

Normal sexual activity during pregnancy, in general, is not considered to be harmful to either mother or unborn child. However, for some couples’ sexual intercourse can be a very physical activity. Excessive physical exertion during pregnancy is not advisable and can lead to an early birth, this is particularly true during the third trimester.

As with any form of exercise, expectant mothers wishing to continue with an active sex life during pregnancy, should take advice from their health care professional and avoid excessive physical exertion during intercourse.

Preterm Birth Risk Screening

Preterm risk screening is yet another, and very advisable, action to take towards helping to avoid preterm birth. At Samitivej Hospital expectant mothers can be sure of a world class preterm risk screening service, conducted and assessed by leading experts in the field.

Preterm risk screening can be undertaken via numerous methods and would usually be done after the 16th week of gestation. Typically, the screening will include and ultrasound examination of the cervix, a blood test and fetal fibronectin (FFN). FFN is done by taking a swab of cervical or vaginal fluid.

Preconception genetic testing, which is considered a ‘precision medicine’ will also be conducted. This helps to pinpoint risks that maybe attributed to family history, environment, genetics and lifestyle. From the results of screening the Samitivej Hospital’s health care professionals can, where necessary, create a personalized treatment plan specifically designed to reduce the risk of a mother having a preterm second baby.

Click here to visit Samitivej Hospital’s Preterm Prevention Clinic.

About Me

Hi! I'm Annie and I have 3 kids (all in their teens - yikes!). My mommy blog isn't all about lunches and DIY - it's also about humour. Like how my kids make fun of my texts as if I don't know how to use emojis (I DO!). Now that I have a bit more time - since my kids don't want to hang out with me (teenagers), I have taken up blogging.

Pet-Friendly Apartments in Chicago: A Home for Your Furry Friend

November 27, 2023 By Annie

5 High Chair Activities to Keep Your Toddler Entertained

November 21, 2023 By Annie

The Basics of How to Ship Your Car or Vehicle to Another State

November 13, 2023 By Annie

Tiny Trends: a contemporary baby girl fashion for your little ones

October 30, 2023 By Annie

Is Pipe Relining the Ultimate Drain Solution?

October 23, 2023 By Annie

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Pet-Friendly Apartments in Chicago: A Home for Your Furry Friend
  • Pets

Pet-Friendly Apartments in Chicago: A Home for Your Furry Friend

By Annie / November 27, 2023
For many of us, our pets are cherished members of the family. Finding a pet-friendly apartment in a bustling city...
Read More
5 High Chair Activities to Keep Your Toddler Entertained
  • Family

5 High Chair Activities to Keep Your Toddler Entertained

By Annie / November 21, 2023
Are you tired of constantly having to entertain your energetic toddler while they're strapped into their high chair? We've all...
Read More
The Basics of How to Ship Your Car or Vehicle to Another State
  • Business

The Basics of How to Ship Your Car or Vehicle to Another State

By Annie / November 13, 2023
If the stars align, self-transport of your vehicle could save money; however, factors like airfare, hotel rooms and gas should...
Read More
Tiny Trends: a contemporary baby girl fashion for your little ones
  • Life Style

Tiny Trends: a contemporary baby girl fashion for your little ones

By Annie / October 30, 2023
Keeping up with trends and staying classy is at the top of the list for parents in baby girl fashion....
Read More
Is Pipe Relining the Ultimate Drain Solution?
  • Business

Is Pipe Relining the Ultimate Drain Solution?

By Annie / October 23, 2023
The piping system system is one part of the building that barely receives proper attention and care until it becomes...
Read More
Why You Should Always Choose a Jumping Castle for Your Child’s Next Birthday Party
  • Life Style

Why You Should Always Choose a Jumping Castle for Your Child’s Next Birthday Party

By Annie / October 13, 2023
As a parent, you want the very best for your child, especially on their birthday. Their special day only comes...
Read More
The Power of Fragrance: Choosing Scented Memory Candles for Comfort
  • Life Style

The Power of Fragrance: Choosing Scented Memory Candles for Comfort

By Annie / September 28, 2023
It's incredible how powerful a single scent can be. The right aroma can bring you back to fond memories of...
Read More
The Ease and Clarity of Uncontested Divorce Alabama’s Path to Resolution
  • Life Style

The Ease and Clarity of Uncontested Divorce Alabama’s Path to Resolution

By Annie / September 26, 2023
Life often throws us curves, but when we're talking about the complex and emotional world of marriage dissolution, a straight...
Read More
Raising a Puppy: Getting Started, The Best Trainers Near Me, and More
  • Pets

Raising a Puppy: Getting Started, The Best Trainers Near Me, and More

By Annie / September 14, 2023
The best trainers possess the knowledge and skills needed to quickly teach your pup. They can show you how to...
Read More
9 Tips on Taking Care of Aging Parents
  • Health

9 Tips on Taking Care of Aging Parents

By Annie / September 13, 2023
The sunset years of life are supposed to be filled with the warm glow of golden memories, a time of...
Read More

About Us

Hi! I’m Annie and I have 3 kids (all in their teens – yikes!). My mommy blog isn’t all about lunches and DIY – it’s also about humour. Like how my kids make fun of my texts as if I don’t know how to use emojis (I DO!)... Read More…

When Parents Text

  • Home
  • About
  • Life Style
  • Family
  • Tips
  • Health
  • Business
  • Pets
  • Recipes
  • Contact

© 2023 · Pretty Creative WordPress Theme by, Pretty Darn Cute Design