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Preterm birth is when a baby is born too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed. In 2021, preterm birth affected about 1 of every 10 infants born in the United States. The preterm birth rate rose 4% in 2021, from 10.1% in 2020 to 10.5% in 2021. However, racial and ethnic differences in preterm birth rates remain. In 2021, the rate of preterm birth among African-American women (14.8%) was about 50 percent higher than the rate of preterm birth among white or Hispanic women (9.5% and 10.2% respectively). A developing baby goes through important growth throughout pregnancy─ including in the final months and weeks. For example, the brain, lungs, and liver need the final weeks of pregnancy to fully develop. Read Your Baby Grows Throughout Your Entire Pregnancy [PDF-312KB]. Babies born too early (especially before 32 weeks) have higher rates of death and disability. In 2020 [PDF – 176 KB], preterm birth and low birth weight accounted for about 16% of infant deaths (deaths before 1 year of age). Babies who survive may have
Preterm births may also take an emotional toll and be a financial burden for families. Frequently Asked Questions: For Women and Their FamiliesIn most cases, preterm labor (labor that happens too soon, before 37 weeks of pregnancy) begins unexpectedly and the cause is unknown. Like regular labor, signs of early labor are—
If you think you are experiencing preterm labor, it is important that you see a healthcare provider right away. If you are having preterm labor, your provider may be able to give you medicine so that the baby will be healthier at birth. Many times we do not know what causes a woman to deliver early, but several known factors may increase the likelihood that a woman could deliver early. This preterm birth infographic [PDF – 561 KB] gives some examples of these factors by medical and pregnancy conditions, behavioral factors, and social, personal, and economic characteristics. Talk with your doctor about signs of preterm labor and what to do. Social, Personal, and
Economic Characteristics Pregnancy and Medical Conditions Behavioral Preventing preterm birth remains a challenge because there are many causes of preterm birth, and because causes may be complex and not always well understood. However, pregnant women can take important steps to help reduce their risk of preterm birth and improve their general health. These steps are to—
Another step women and their partners can take to reduce the risk of preterm birth is waiting at least 18 months between pregnancies. Women who conceive through ART are at higher risk for preterm birth, primarily because they are more likely to be pregnant with more than one baby at a time. More detailed information on ART and preterm birth can be found at Single Embryo Transfer. CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health is engaged in a variety of research and science to practice activities aimed at understanding and reducing preterm birth. CDC scientists are collaborating with many partners, including state health departments, university researchers, and other health care professionals to understand why preterm births occur and what can be done to help prevent them. Read about our preterm birth activities.
Which medication will the nurse anticipate administering to a laboring client diagnosed with chorioamnionitis to prevent maternal and neonatal complications?Therapy for the mother and/or neonate with chorioamnionitis includes early delivery, supportive care, and antibiotic administration. Antibiotic agents used in the treatment of chorioamnionitis include the following: Ampicillin and gentamicin. Clindamycin or metronidazole when endometritis is suspected (postdelivery)
Which medication would the nurse anticipate administering to a client experiencing toxicity caused by magnesium sulfate in preterm labor management?Your urine output will also probably be measured every hour in the hospital to avoid toxicity. If for some reason the levels get too high, another medication, called calcium gluconate, can help reverse the effects of magnesium sulfate.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of magnesium toxicity?CORRECT. A respiratory rate less than 12/min is a sign of magnesium toxicity.
What is the only known cure for preeclampsia?Pre-eclampsia can only be cured by delivering the baby. If you have pre-eclampsia, you'll be closely monitored until it's possible to deliver the baby. Once diagnosed, you'll be referred to a hospital specialist for further assessment and any necessary treatment.
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