1. Planning for healthy babies
Summarize preventable risks for preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies, including induced abortion, smoking, alcohol consumption, the use of illicit drugs, and inadequate prenatal care.

2. Objectives Define preterm/premature birth
Review the possible negative consequences of preterm birth
List possible preventable risk behaviors for preterm birth

3. Preterm/Premature Birth
According to the March of Dimes, a preterm or premature baby is one born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

4. Potential Problems due to Preterm Birth
Short Term (first few weeks of life)
Breathing problems
Heart problems
Brain problems
Temperature control problems
Gastrointestinal problems
Blood problems
Metabolism problems
Immune system problems
Source: Mayo Clinic (

5. Potential Problems due to Preterm Birth
Long Term
Cerebral Palsy (disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture)
Impaired Cognitive Skills, like Learning Disabilities
Vision Problems
Hearing Problems
Dental Problems
Behavioral Problems
Chronic Health Issues
Source: Mayo Clinic (

6. Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Drinking alcohol while pregnant seems to be associated with an increased risk of delivering early. Alcohol use is also associated with an increased risk of birth defects. Illicit drug (street drug) use has also been associated with preterm delivery. (1) (2)

7. Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Being underweight or obese before getting pregnant
Being underweight or obese before getting pregnant is associated with a higher risk of delivering prematurely. Being markedly overweight, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30, has been associated with an increased risk of delivering a premature baby. Being underweight, defined as having a BMI less than 18, has also been associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. Not gaining an appropriate amount of weight while pregnant has also been associated with an increased risk of delivering prematurely. (3)

8. Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Smoking
Smoking tobacco has been shown to be associated with a higher rate of premature delivery. Smoking greater than half a pack per day is associated with almost a 45% increased rate. Quitting smoking early in a pregnancy seems to be associated with a reduction in the risk of premature delivery. (4)

9. Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Poor social support as well as high levels of stress (work, relationships, health) seem to be associated with an increased risk of delivering prematurely. (5)
Poor social support as well as high levels of stress

10. Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are also associated with early delivery. It is very important to be in good health and under the care of a doctor prior to trying to get pregnant if a person has these or other serious medical issues. (6)
Certain medical conditions

11. Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Some Types of Infections
Some infections, such as urinary tract infections and some sexually transmitted infections, may be associated with increased rates of premature delivery. (7)

12. Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Starting prenatal care late or not going to prenatal appointments as recommended.
Starting prenatal care late or not going to prenatal appointments as recommended is associated with an increased risk of delivering early. In these situations there may be medical or social issues that are not addressed quickly enough to prevent them from affecting the pregnancy. Start prenatal care as early in pregnancy as possible. (8)

13. Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Having babies too close together is also associated with an increased risk of delivering early. The recommendation is to plan for at least 18 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again to improve the chances of a full term pregnancy. (10)
Having babies too close together

14. Possible Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery
Induced Abortions
Induced abortions may be associated with preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy. Some studies of this issue show an association between abortion and preterm birth while others do not. (9)

15. Think, Pair, Share
Think of two or three ways people could reduce their risks for pre-term births.
Find a partner, each share your ideas.
Each pair partner with another pair, share your ideas.

16. Questions?

17. Good Sources of Information on Preterm Babies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
March of Dimes
Mayo Clinic
National Institutes of Health