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Hi Doctor, I Have A 2+ Year Old Son Who
Question: hi doctor,
i have a 2+ year old son who was born as preterm in 34 weeks with low weight, so i'm thinking to have another baby, so i'm worried whether the other baby will be preterm as well. if so could there be any underline cause? should i be worried about anything?
i have a 2+ year old son who was born as preterm in 34 weeks with low weight, so i'm thinking to have another baby, so i'm worried whether the other baby will be preterm as well. if so could there be any underline cause? should i be worried about anything?
Brief Answer:
Need not worry but have to be careful.
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Welcome to Ask A Doctor service
I understand your concern
Most cases(>50%) of preterm birth occur without an identifiable cause. When identifiable, the cause may be related to mother, baby, or placenta. If there were no issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, early vaginal bleeding or abnormal scanning during previous pregnancy, we may not be able to find out the cause then.
Still, there are few things which can be done to reduce the chance of preterm birth in coming pregnancy, as detailed below:
1. A minimum of 3 years gap between two pregnancies
2. Maintaining good nutrition of mother. Issues like anemia and vitamin/mineral deficiency may induce preterm labor.
3. Avoid overweight/obesity by a healthy diet and regular exercise
4. Avoiding smoking, including passive smoking and alcohol
5. Take care to avoid any trauma during pregnancy.
6. Always try to be happy and positive. Mental stress can precipitate preterm labor.
7. Regular antenatal visits with your doctor, so that any issues like anemia, diabetes, hypertension, urine infections can be early diagnosed and treated.
I hope this answer will help
If you need further clarification, I will be happy to help
Regards, Dr Aslam
Need not worry but have to be careful.
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Welcome to Ask A Doctor service
I understand your concern
Most cases(>50%) of preterm birth occur without an identifiable cause. When identifiable, the cause may be related to mother, baby, or placenta. If there were no issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, early vaginal bleeding or abnormal scanning during previous pregnancy, we may not be able to find out the cause then.
Still, there are few things which can be done to reduce the chance of preterm birth in coming pregnancy, as detailed below:
1. A minimum of 3 years gap between two pregnancies
2. Maintaining good nutrition of mother. Issues like anemia and vitamin/mineral deficiency may induce preterm labor.
3. Avoid overweight/obesity by a healthy diet and regular exercise
4. Avoiding smoking, including passive smoking and alcohol
5. Take care to avoid any trauma during pregnancy.
6. Always try to be happy and positive. Mental stress can precipitate preterm labor.
7. Regular antenatal visits with your doctor, so that any issues like anemia, diabetes, hypertension, urine infections can be early diagnosed and treated.
I hope this answer will help
If you need further clarification, I will be happy to help
Regards, Dr Aslam
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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