Modern medical advances allow us to save babies that would have been lost as miscarriages even 20 years ago. The reality is, however, that babies born before term – 40 weeks gestation – are at significantly increased risks for immediate and life-long health and developmental complications. So, why does preterm birth happen and what can you do to protect against it?

Rockers, Rollers and Riskers

We live in an age of consumerism, where businesses exclaim slogans like, “Have it your way!” and “You deserve a break today.” It’s no surprise that today’s hopeful parents “want what we want, when we want it.” Including when to start a family.

Thanks to reproductive services, you’re now seemingly able to choose when you want to become a parent. With the possible exception of the Biblical account of Sarah (who is said to have given birth in her 90s), our society contains the oldest group of first-time mothers in history. National statistics regarding the age of moms at first birth are increasing, with the number of first-time moms ages 34-39 nearly overtaking the number of traditional moms ages 23-29. But postponing pregnancy has its downside.

It’s believed that at birth, a female infant holds as many as 2 million immature eggs (follicles) in her ovarian “baskets” but it’s all downhill from there. Waiting til age 30 or older can reduce your chances of conceiving. Think of it this way: A 30-year old egg has been waiting in line since puberty to pop. You’d get tired, too! Just like every other part of your body fights the relentless daily pull of gravity, your little eggs may suffer from stress fatigue, which ultimately affects their quality.

Risking preterm birth

But once you DO get pregnant, what causes early labor? Premature birth? Depending upon your baby’s gestational age, causes of prematurity differ. Omitting congenital abnormalities, the most common cause of preterm birth at less than 30 weeks gestation is infection, which most often happens when the amniotic sac tears, which is called premature rupture of membranes.

Which begs the question, since it’s pretty much hidden away inside your body, how does a sterile amniotic sac get torn? The answer is complicated, see “Infection Risk Factors,” below.

Gold medals for motherhood

An enthusiastic labor coach barks to her classes, “Pregnancy is an athletic event!” And that’s no exaggeration. Researchers agree that being in generally good physical health long before you become pregnant is the best predictor of whether you’ll be able to carry a baby to term.

So plan ahead. Give yourself several months to get into shape, inside and outside before you begin your pregnancy journey. See your health care provider for a complete physical with blood analysis. Discuss areas for improvement. If you need to beef up your iron-poor blood, decrease your cholesterol, or monitor your sugar intake, now is the time to begin.

Are You at Risk for Preterm Birth?

Common risks for premature delivery include but aren’t limited to:

• Becoming pregnant too soon after your last pregnancy, opinions differ on this – talk about your personal risks with your healthcare provider
• Being age 35 or older, even store-bought eggs have expiration dates!
• Using artificial reproductive technology to conceive and achieve pregnancy
• Carrying multiples, there is, after all, only so much placenta to nourish the group in utero
• Previous preterm birth, whether spontaneous or induced (evidently, your cervix has a sort of "muscle memory" which kicks in about the time of the previous loss)
• Bleeding gums, the jury is still out on the exact mechanism, but scientists say it’s likely the overall reaction to infection

Infection risk factors

Infection is most likely present with a torn amniotic sac. Likely reasons for a premature rupture of membranes include:

• Poor health prior to pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
• Smoking
• Alcohol and/or drug use and abuse
• Being too thin or too overweight when you got pregnant

All of these conditions may weaken the fabric of the sac and invite bacteria.

Already pregnant?

Carpe diem! Now is the time to seek the help you need. Start with subtle changes:

• Increase your water intake
• Stop smoking
• Don’t drink alcohol
• Find a buddy and begin a walking routine
• Keep a journal of your frustrations, fears and progress
• Be accountable to someone who will hold you accountable and encourage you

It takes practice to form a new habit. Healthy living is a gift you give to yourself and your infant.