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What Causes Premature Birth?

What causes premature birth and is there anything you can do to prevent it? Since an early birth means the baby has less time to fully develop in the womb it's important to identify any possible signs of impending problems.

A typical pregnancy will last 40 weeks, which makes a premature birth three weeks or more before your expected delivery. Delivering early often results in a very low body weight for the baby and increases the likelihood of medical problems or other development complications.

When an early delivery is expected it's common for your medical team to try and delay your delivery as long as possible, because every moment a baby is given to develop in the womb is crucial. An extra day or two in the womb can be the difference between a healthy childhood and a life of complications.

Your health and behavior play a large role in the likelihood of premature birth. Avoiding stress or activities that may cause trauma can help ensure a full term.

A premature birth may be the result of several complications or events that cause preterm labor. Below are some of the more common causes for premature birth:

  • Previous pregnancy with a premature birth
  • Carrying twins or multiples
  • Getting pregnant within 6 months of previous birth
  • Getting pregnant with in vitro fertilization
  • Complications of the cervix or uterus
  • Consuming alcohol, or using cigarettes or drugs
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Irregular body weight before getting pregnant
  • Stress, depression or several life changes
  • History of miscarriages or abortions
  • Physical injury or trauma

Although there has been extensive research and understanding to the cause of premature births, some women will deliver early with no warning signs or previous history.

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