The end of the third trimester of pregnancy is often filled with excitement and anxiety about the imminent arrival of the baby. Besides that it is the most uncomfortable period physically speaking, and emotionally it is exhausting. If you're at this stage of your pregnancy, you may have swollen ankles, feel pressure in your lower abdomen and pelvis, and have recurring thoughts about when your baby will be born.
As you reach your 37th week of pregnancy, labor induction can seem like the best gift in the world as you finally get to meet your baby. But doctors recommend waiting until your baby is full term, unless there are major health problems for you or your baby.
When is it safer to give birth?
A full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. During the last few weeks, a woman's body prepares for childbirth while the baby completes the development of her organs, such as the brain and lungs, and reaches a suitable birth weight. The risk of neonatal complications is lower in pregnancies ending between 39 and 41 weeks..
But keep in mind that no two women or two pregnancies are the same. Therefore, some babies will be born naturally before 39 weeks, and others after 41 weeks, without major complications.
From what week can a baby be born safely?
The earlier a baby is born, the greater the risks to its health and survival. Babies born before 37 weeks are considered premature. If born before 28 weeks, the baby is considered extremely premature. Babies born between 10 and 25 weeks have very little chance of surviving without neurodevelopmental problems. Babies born before 23 weeks have only a 5-6% chance of survival.
Today, premature and extremely premature babies have medical advances in their favor to help support continued organ development until their level of health is equivalent to that of a full-term baby. One of the most important reasons why it is desirable to reach the 40th week of pregnancy is to ensure the full development of the baby's lungs..
However, there are many factors related to the mother, baby, and placenta that will require a physician to weigh the risks of carrying to term against the benefit of full lung maturity. Some of these factors are placenta previa, cesarean section or previous myomectomy, preeclampsia, twins or triplets, chronic hypertension, diabetes and HIV. Even so, having a positive and healthy birth experience is possible even giving birth before 39 weeks, or if your doctor recommends labor induction.
What are the causes and risks of preterm birth?
Most of the time, the cause of preterm labor is unknown. However, women with a history of diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are more likely to have premature births. Others risk factors and causes They may be:
- Multiple pregnancy
- Bleeding during pregnancy
- Drug use and abuse
- Getting a urinary tract infection
- smoke tobacco
- drinking alcohol during pregnancy
- Having had a previous preterm birth
- have an abnormal uterus
- Develop an infection of the amniotic membrane
- Not eating healthy before and during pregnancy
- have a weak cervix
- Having suffered from an eating disorder in the past
- Being overweight or, conversely, being too underweight
- have too much stress
There are many health risks for premature babies. Major life-threatening problems can often be successfully treated in the neonatal intensive care unit. (NICU), but may require long-term treatment. These problems may include neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding in the brain or lungs, and patent ductus arteriosus. Other risks for premature babies are:
- Developmental delays
- Trouble breathing
- vision and hearing problems
- Low birth weight
- Difficulty latching onto the mother's breast
- Jaundice
- Difficulty regulating body temperature
Most of these conditions will require admission to the NICU. Here the doctors will carry out tests, treat the newborns, give them assisted breathing and help them with their feeding. these cares ensure that babies have the best possible quality of life, helping your recovery.