7 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Preterm Birth in the Second Trimester

The majority of women envision having a full-term baby. However, sometimes the delivery may arrive sooner than predicted, known as preterm birth. 

Premature infants threaten to develop health difficulties, such as breathing complications and even learning disabilities. 

So, what can you do to lower your risk in the second trimester? Maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep all prenatal appointments. Knowing what to expect will help you and your baby get the care you require as fast as possible.

This article will tell you seven critical ways to help reduce your baby's risk of prenatal birth.

Reasons for Prenatal Birth

While anybody can experience premature labor, some women are at a higher risk from the beginning. According to studies, women who are pregnant with multiples like twins or triplets, have had a past premature birth, or have certain uterine or cervical anomalies are at a higher risk.

Moreover, some other reasons that might raise your risk of preterm labor include women under the age of 17 and above 35, getting pregnant too soon after previous delivery, being overweight or underweight, high blood pressure, stress, diabetes, infections, etc. 

Ways to Prevent Risk of Prenatal Birth

You can decrease your chances of premature delivery with the help of the following tips. 

1. Quit Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking have fundamental health problems for everyone; these problems are far more critical for a woman having a baby. The consequences of smoking and drinking on an unborn kid can be devastating. These activities promote intrauterine development restriction and raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

If you are a regular smoker, you should give up smoking at least three months before attempting to conceive a baby. Alcohol consumption might increase your chances of preterm birth based on the level of consumption. Light drinkers increase their risk by 1.8 percent, whereas heavy drinkers increase their risk by approximately 30 percent.

2. Treat your Existing Health Issues

If you have any underlying health issues, you must follow your doctor's or health care professional's recommended health routine to the point.

Before trying to conceive, you should seek medical advice about any existing health problems and any drugs or practices that may need to be altered to suit your condition after conception. 

3. Make Healthy Dietary Plans

A mother’s regular diet plan plays an essential role in her pregnancy and the growth of her unborn kid. 

A poor diet can raise the probability of preterm birth by 50% because of a lack of essential nutrients. You should ensure that you eat a healthy diet that is balanced across the five food categories, and if you are unsure about your dietary requirements, you should get professional assistance.

4. Take Proper Sleep and Rest

Undoubtedly, expectant moms can quickly become exhausted, both physically and mentally. Sleep and rest are a must during your pregnancy for the better health of you and your unborn child. 

Lower blood flow to the uterus directly links to a risk of premature birth; therefore, sleep is critical in ensuring blood flow, with all health practitioners recommending eight hours. 

5. Avoid Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can contribute to the hazard of preterm birth. If you are a pregnant mother, you should take advice on avoiding stress and anxiety and dealing with it.

Health professionals can provide practical guidance and, if necessary, refer you to a medical examination. A doctor can also provide you with therapy for stress and anxiety.

6. Evade Extreme Sexual Activity

Gentle sexual activity during pregnancy is not much harmful to the mother and unborn child. Yet, some couples’ sexual relations can be highly physical. 

Couples should avoid doing excessive physical activities during pregnancy as it can lead to the premature birth of their baby.

Suppose you want to maintain an active sex life while pregnant. In that case, you should seek medical counsel and avoid extreme physical exertion during intercourse, just like any other form of exercise.

7. Take Preterm Birth Risk Screening

Preterm risk screening is yet another highly recommended step in preventing preterm birth. A doctor can execute preterm risk screening in various ways, commonly after the 16th week of your pregnancy. 

Generally, this screening can include an ultrasound of your cervix, a blood test, and fetal fibronectin (FFN). FFN is a test that a doctor can perform by taking a swab of your cervical or vaginal fluid.

You can also do preconception genetic testing, known as precision medicine. It can assist in identifying the risks that might link to your family history, environment, genetics, and lifestyle.

Conclusion 

It is crucial for you and your healthcare providers to carefully watch if there is any possibility of preterm birth of your baby and if yes, then prevent it as soon as possible. Further, I hope the tips in this guide will also help you control your chances of having a premature birth.