preterm birth

Preterm birth is a birth that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.¹ This equals 259 days, counted from the first day of the last menstrual period. Clinicians classify preterm birth by how early the baby is born. Extremely preterm is before 28 weeks. Very preterm is 28 weeks through 31 weeks and 6 days.¹ Moderate preterm is 32 weeks through 33 weeks and 6 days. Late preterm is 34 weeks through 36 weeks and 6 days.² Preterm birth is the leading cause of death in children under 5 worldwide.¹ Many preterm babies have respiratory distress syndrome, a breathing disorder at birth. Babies who survive can also face lasting problems. These include cerebral palsy, learning delays, and heart or metabolic disease later in life.

Preterm birth has many causes. Labor can begin early on its own. The membranes can rupture too soon. The cervix can open too early (cervical insufficiency). Infection, multiple pregnancy (twins or more), and early delivery for the health of the mother or baby also play a role. Preventing preterm birth is a clear priority in Restorative Reproductive Medicine. The Prematurity Prevention Program, developed by Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers at the Saint Paul VI Institute, tracks hormone levels through pregnancy. When those levels run low, the program supports them with bioidentical progesterone. The NaProTechnology literature reports its outcomes.

Risk can also be lowered before pregnancy begins. Treatment of a weak luteal phase and treatment of endometriosis are part of that work.