Premature Labour

The term premature labour is used to describe labour which comes on before the mother has reached 37 weeks of pregnancy; it can be a very serious complication, especially if the labour starts a long time before this date (generally, survival rates are higher during the latter stages of pregnancy and rates are very low in babies that are born before 30 weeks).

The ideal number for giving birth is 40 weeks of pregnancy; however, some babies do come one or two weeks before. If your baby does come early it can often be daunting as you are so unprepared for this development, but there will be help available from the hospital and medical staff.

The further along you are in pregnancy the better the chance of a healthy born baby. This is because the organs need time to mature and lungs of your baby prepared for breathing independently. Many babies who are born too early, at around 28 weeks, may survive but be left with a disability. Babies who are born before 24 weeks have less chance of survival due to the development of the organs. It is a very upsetting time for parents but there is always help and support available if you need it.

Possible complications in childbirth:

• Possible complications in childbirth
• Premature Labour
• Causes of Premature Labour
• What Should I do if I go into Premature Labour?
• What will happen at the hospital if I am giving birth prematurely?
• What happens after my baby is born?

• Where can I find Support for Premature babies?
• Problems with the umbilical cord
• Foetal distress
• Problems with the placenta
• Postpartum haemorrhage
• The Neonatal Unit