What is extremely preterm birth?

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Bui Thi Ha - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Being born very prematurely, especially too far from the due date, is not fun and is beyond the parents' wishes because babies born extremely prematurely will face many risks because the baby's body is still not fully developed. enough time to complete. Anyone is at risk of having an extremely premature birth.

Most pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. Babies born before 28 weeks of pregnancy are called extremely preterm. The earlier the fetus comes out, the less likely it is to survive.
Babies born between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy are considered very premature. Babies born between 32 weeks and 33 weeks 6 days are considered moderately preterm. Babies born between 34 weeks and 36 weeks 6 days are considered late preterm. Your specialist will discuss your baby's viability if you are at risk of having a very premature birth. A child's survival depends on many factors. For babies born extremely prematurely, it is possible to survive but often have health problems, mental or physical development may be impaired and require special medical care.

Some signs that you may be at risk of preterm birth are as follows:
Vaginal discharge more than usual: The discharge becomes looser, more mucus or may contain blood. Vaginal bleeding occurs: You may feel pain like menstrual cramps or may be accompanied by contractions. Increased pelvic pressure: Low back pain, accompanied by cyclical pain, you may have never had back pain before.

Pregnant women with vaginal infections: Pregnant women will have a very high risk of giving birth prematurely if they have a vaginal infection because bacteria in the body develop, making the fetal membrane weaker, affecting the amniotic fluid. The amniotic sac can rupture at any time. When you have a vaginal infection, you will see some signs such as burning pain when urinating, white or gray vaginal discharge, and redness in the private area. Pregnant women with a history of preterm birth: If you have had an extremely premature baby in the past, there is a high chance that you will have to experience it again. Before trying to become pregnant, you should inform your doctor about your condition. Pregnant women with a sedentary lifestyle: An unhealthy lifestyle or bad habits such as smoking, alcoholism, mental stress or excessive anxiety also put pregnant women at risk of preterm birth.

Pregnant women with multiples: Pregnant women who are pregnant by in vitro fertilization or pregnant with twins or triplets can have extremely premature birth. Two pregnancies too close together: Within 6-9 months after giving birth, if pregnant women are very likely to lead to extremely premature birth. To avoid birth defects or premature birth, women need to rest for 11-12 months before getting pregnant. Besides, there are also some cases of extremely preterm birth without an exact cause.

Babies born extremely prematurely will face many health risks. Your baby may be at risk for even more severe cerebral palsy that can be fatal.
Respiratory failure: The lungs are the last organ to complete during pregnancy, so when babies are born extremely prematurely, their lungs are not fully developed, they will have breathing problems. If the baby is not given oxygen in time, other organs of the body will also be affected. Bleeding in the brain: This condition is treatable, but if the bleeding is excessive, the child's brain can be permanently damaged. Heart problems: Low blood pressure and a patent ductus arteriosus are two common illnesses when babies are born very prematurely, and if not treated promptly, they can develop heart failure. Problematic body temperature control: The bodies of premature babies cannot regulate themselves because most premature babies lack fat. Digestive system problems: Premature babies are at increased risk for pericoronitis, a potentially dangerous condition that usually occurs when babies start breastfeeding. If babies are breastfed, they are less likely to get this disease. Blood problems: Premature babies are often prone to blood-related diseases such as jaundice and anemia. Weakened immunity: Premature babies have weak immune systems, so they are easily exposed to dangerous situations. Slow development: Premature babies will often develop more slowly and are at risk of facing learning and behavioral problems. Brain problems: Premature babies have a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy. Vision and hearing problems: Premature babies are at risk of retinopathy, which, if not detected and treated promptly, can lead to blindness. Some chronic diseases: Premature babies are prone to chronic diseases such as asthma, stomach problems... Vinmec Times City International Hospital has successfully performed many life-saving cases for newborn babies. young. Especially, there were premature births with high mortality rate, but after being treated at Vinmec, the babies were discharged without any risk of long-term complications.

Vinmec Times City International General Hospital is the only hospital in the North that can save the life of a 24-week premature baby. With modern equipment such as regular ventilators, high-frequency ventilators, CPAP ventilators, incubators, good infection control ability, ensuring a safe environment for children. Dr. Tran Lien Anh and a team of doctors and nurses at the Neonatal Department at Vinmec have been providing many opportunities for premature babies to be saved and live healthy lives.