BY BERMUDA HOSPITALS
BOARD
Avoiding
pregnancy
Premature
Birth
E
very expectant parent anticipates a
safe delivery and a healthy newborn.
While the vast majority of births do
go well, there are times when a pregnancy does
not turn out as planned. In Bermuda, about one in
twelve pregnancies, or around 8%, will result in a
premature birth, which is defined as a baby born at
least three weeks before its due date.
While important growth and development occurs
throughout pregnancy, the final months and weeks
are especially relevant. The earlier a baby is born, the
more severe his or her health problems are likely to be.
Although babies born very preterm are a small per-
centage of all births, these infants account for a large
proportion of heath concerns. Some premature babies
require special care and spend weeks or months in the
Special Care Baby Unit at King Edward VII Memorial
Hospital. Most of these babies will do well, although
some babies born quite early may face breathing and
respiratory difficulties, visual problems, hearing loss or
feeding and digestive problems.
Even if a woman does everything “right” during
pregnancy, she can still have a premature baby. There
are some known risk factors for premature birth,
such as having a previous preterm birth. Additionally,
although most black women give birth at term, on
average, black women in the USA are about 50% more
likely to have a premature baby compared to white
women in the USA. The reasons for this difference
remain unknown.
14
Other known risk factors for prematurity are:
Carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, or
more)
• Problems with the uterus or cervix
• Chronic health problems in the mother, such as
high blood pressure, diabetes and clotting disorders
• Certain infections during pregnancy
• Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or illicit drug use
during pregnancy
Doctors sometimes need to deliver a baby early
because of concerns for the health of the mother or the
baby. If a pregnant woman is healthy and the preg-
nancy is progressing well, it is best to let the baby come
naturally, in its own time. Although most babies born
just a few weeks early do well and have no health issues,
others may need extra care as the result of jaundice or
breathing problems.
There are things women can do to improve their
health, lower their risk of having a premature baby
and help their baby be healthy. It is very important for
•