Why are babies born early?

Answer 1

There are many reasons. One of the most common is that the mother has pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine, swollen extremities) and the only way to cure it is by delivering the baby. The mother may have an infection which triggers premaure labor. (even 'flu can do it) The cervix may open slightly and allow the waters to break, so an open pathway for infection means the baby has to be delivered. The baby may have a condition which can only be treated once it is born, or the treatment may trigger premature labor, (e.g. blood group incompatibilty). Multiple pregnancy babies often just run out of room and have to be delivered, also a multiple pregnancy may trigger pre-eclampsia. these are the most common ones but there are many more and sometimes 'no-one knows' is the answer.

Answer 2

There are a number of reasons. Infection in the mother (especially with a raised temeprature) and a cervix which opens prematurely are two. Sometimes the baby is delivered by the doctors because of conditions like placenta previa (low lying placenta) and pre-eclampsia. Quite often there is no apparent cause.

Answer 3

Smoking during pregnancy doesn't help, and can cause lightweight babies who are born premature. Sometimes there might be a complication which means labor has to be induced or labor is triggered early, or if the baby has a genetic condition. It helps if you stay as healthy as possible when you're pregnant as it means there is an extremely small chance the baby will be born premature. A history of diseases might not help the baby as well.

Answer 4

A baby can be born premature because of a mother's drinking habits. She can also be premature if the mother isn't eating healthy. For example, if the mother is smoking the baby might end up premature.