Preterm birth, or premature birth, is a condition in which a baby is born before reaching 37 weeks of gestation. Normally, pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks.
Several factors can contribute to preterm birth, including:
Abnormalities in the uterus or cervix.
Infections in the mother during pregnancy.
History of previous preterm birth.
Preeclampsia or high blood pressure in the mother.
Existing health problems in the mother, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, or illicit drug use during pregnancy.
Excessive stress or psychological pressure.
In some cases, doctors may plan for a preterm birth if there are strong medical indications to do so, such as when the mother or baby faces serious health risks. However, efforts to prevent preterm birth are continuously made through good prenatal care, monitoring the mother's health during pregnancy, and treating any medical conditions that may affect the pregnancy.
