HOLD ON BABY!
Your Pregnancy|April/May 2021
Sometimes, babies come into the world before your 40 weeks of pregnancy are complete. Here’s how to spot pre-term labour and what you can expect.
SISTER BURGIE IRELAND
HOLD ON BABY!

Doctor Trudy Smith, an obstetrician at Charlotte Maxeke JohannesburgAcademic Hospital, stresses the importance of good antenatal care and recognising the signs of early labour so that you can get help.

“Sometimes, spontaneous labour can be stopped or controlled long enough to mature the baby’s lungs to minimise complications,” she says. “But when the mother’s life is at risk, because there’s no way of stopping vaginal bleeding or controlling any pregnancy-induced hypertension, we have no choice but to deliver the baby early.”

Labour that begins before 37 weeks is called preterm labour. Babies born before 28 weeks or weighing as little as 500g can and do survive – but at a cost. “Although we can’t always identify the cause of premature labour, we know who’s at risk, so we can monitor these women throughout pregnancy to help prevent or minimise complications,” Dr Smith says.

Premature labour may begin with the baby, the womb, hormones or circumstances. For example, a big baby (either because of genetics or gestational diabetes) can overstretch the womb, as does a multiple pregnancy. Polyhydramnios – too much amniotic fluid – can also cause premature labour. The cervix may be weak and unable to “hold” the baby beyond six months. Infections, leaking amniotic fluid and vaginal bleeding are all associated with early labour.

Denne historien er fra April/May 2021-utgaven av Your Pregnancy.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra April/May 2021-utgaven av Your Pregnancy.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA YOUR PREGNANCYSe alt
COVID & your child
Your Pregnancy

COVID & your child

Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Your Pregnancy

EYES WIDE OPEN!

Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
Your Pregnancy

RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!

It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
Prioritise REST!
Your Pregnancy

Prioritise REST!

The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
CRYING CLUES
Your Pregnancy

CRYING CLUES

Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
Your Pregnancy

Pushing isn't all you need to do!

There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Your Pregnancy

We're all NERVOUS about it!

Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your Pregnancy

FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS

Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
Your Pregnancy

Here's to HAPPIER beach days!

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Your Pregnancy

TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!

Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022