The following are factors shown to be associated with preterm birth and some strategies for lowering the risks:
1. Overwork, job fatigue, stress. Women in high-stress jobs or who work long hours on their feet have nearly three times the risk of preterm rupture of membranes leading to preterm birth. In a study of 3000 primips, those who worked in “high fatigue jobs” had a risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) of 7% compared to 2% for those who didn’t work outside the home. Although many women must work until the end of pregnancy, changing to less fatiguing jobs, if possible, will lower their risk of preterm birth.
2. Poor nutrition in pregnancy, low weight gain. Low maternal weight gain is the single risk factor that crosses all racial and economic indicators. A woman with a low pre-pregnancy weight and/or a low rate of gain before 20 weeks is at high risk for preterm birth. A balance of protein and carbohydrates provides the best nutrition. According to the Cochrane Database, restricted carbohydrate diets may raise the risk of preterm birth without having any effect on the incidence of macrosomia.
3. Vitamin C supplements. Low levels of vitamin C have been implicated for several decades as contributors to prematurity and preterm rupture of membranes. In a study of 2064 pregnant women, those who had total vitamin C intakes of <10th percentile of the average intake prior to conception had twice the risk of preterm birth due to preterm rupture of membranes (relative risk, 2.2).
4. Low levels of vitamin C may also be implicated in the risk of preeclampsia, which leads to preterm birth, as well as, frequently, induced labor. Researchers tested women for plasma vitamin C levels. Women who consumed less than 85 mg of vitamin C doubled their risk of developing preeclampsia (odds ration 2.1). Women who consumed the lowest amounts had almost four times the risk of those who consumed the highest.
5. Oxidative stress is theorized to play a role in preeclampsia and we are learning that optimum levels of vitamin C protect against oxidative stress. We don’t know yet the optimum level of vitamin C or the best recommendation for supplements, but 300 mg to 500 mg is probably needed. Many American women consume less than 85 mg daily!
6. PH alone—the acid/alkaline level measured by nitrazine or litmus paper—is a marker for prematurity risk. Retrospective and prospective studies show that high vaginal pH (a low acid, or alkaline, state) is predictive of preterm labor and preterm rupture of membranes.
7. No magic pill exists to assure a timely birth—a baby born at its healthiest point in gestation, neither too soon nor too late. Born ready to breathe, eager to nurse, primed to learn and love. Good health, good nutrition, good living habits and the avoidance of stress go far to ensure the baby will thrive until his birth date. As we learn more about normal pregnancy, we gain new tools to help both mother and baby achieve optimum health. This new research may help tip the balance in favor of better health—and a timely birth.

— Gail Hart, excerpted from “A Timely Birth,” Midwifery Today Issue 72

This was a noteworthy article. Having three preemies really made me want to take a look at WHY things were happening- not cover it up with Oh GEE, HERE’S A PILL or BEDRESSST FOR YOU. Make sense?

Posted in pregnancy & written by Niki —