Premature birth, or birth before 37 weeks gestation, is associated with a range of medical concerns. A baby who is born too early may experience patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), low blood pressure, breathing problems, intraventricular hemorrhage, and other life-threatening medical problems shortly after birth. Premature babies may grow up suffering from intellectual disabilities, vision and hearing problems, cerebral palsy, and more. Sadly, some premature babies die during infancy. If your baby was born premature, you may question whether medical mistakes are to blame.
Risk Factors that Increase the Chances of Premature Birth
Understanding why a baby is born prematurely is often extremely difficult. Countless factors influence the health and growth of a fetus. However, researchers have identified certain risk factors that make premature birth more likely. These factors include:
- Maternal infections
- Maternal high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Maternal diabetes
- Problems with the mother’s cervix, placenta, or uterus
- Insufficient cervix (incompetent cervix)
- Previous premature births
- Giving birth to multiples
- In vitro fertilization
- Drug, alcohol, or cigarette use during pregnancy
- Maternal obesity or being underweight
- Physical trauma during pregnancy
Doctors should be aware of any risks that may endanger the health of a growing fetus. If doctors fail to take the appropriate steps to address risk factors, they may be liable for an infant’s premature birth. Studies have shown that infection and inflammation are significant contributors to spontaneous preterm births. Urinary tract infections, uterine infections, and sexually transmitted infections should be treated promptly to lessen the chances of harm to the baby.
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