PLANNING FOR HEALTHY BABIESSummarize preventable risks for preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies, including induced abortion, smoking, alcohol consumption, the use of illicit drugs, and inadequate prenatal care.

Objectives• Define preterm/premature birth• Review the possible negative consequences of preterm birth

• List possible preventable risk behaviors for preterm birth

Preterm/Premature Birth• According to the March of Dimes, a preterm or premature baby is one born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

Potential Problems due to Preterm Birth

Short Term (first few weeks of life)• Breathing problems• Heart problems• Brain problems• Temperature control problems• Gastrointestinal problems• Blood problems• Metabolism problems• Immune system problems

Source: Mayo Clinic

(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/premature-birth/DS00137/DSECTION=complications)

Potential Problems due to Preterm Birth

Long Term• Cerebral Palsy (disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture)

• Impaired Cognitive Skills, like Learning Disabilities• Vision Problems• Hearing Problems• Dental Problems• Behavioral Problems• Chronic Health Issues

Source: Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/premature-birth/DS00137/DSECTION=complications)

Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery

Being underweight or obese before getting pregnant

Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery

Smoking

Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery

Poor social support as well as high levels of stress

Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery

Certain medical conditions

Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery

Some Types of Infections

Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery

Starting prenatal care late or not going to prenatal appointments as recommended.

Preventable Risks of Preterm Delivery

Having babies too close together

Think, Pair, Share• Think of two or three ways people could reduce their risks for pre-term births.

• Find a partner, each share your ideas. • Each pair partner with another pair, share your ideas.

Good Sources of Information on Preterm Babies

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention• March of Dimes• Mayo Clinic• National Institutes of Health