What should be done to prevent premature birth for mothers?

The article was written by Specialist Doctor I To Thi Thanh Huong - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Obstetrics Department - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Premature birth is the leading threat of infant mortality. There are many causes of premature birth, of which there are still preventable cases that pregnant women need to know and prepare carefully to prevent this risk. There are many medications available to prevent preterm labor, but the results are not always successful, so prevention is better than treatment.

The last weeks of pregnancy is a time when pregnant women need special attention because the fetus is now gradually completing its development steps to prepare for the birth process. In addition to raising awareness about preterm birth, mothers should also pay attention to health care before pregnancy - one of the ways to help a healthy pregnancy as well as prevent complications during pregnancy. Here are preventive measures to prevent preterm birth:
Premarital screening and screening for all couples to detect risk factors early. Examination and treatment of oral diseases, urinary tract diseases, if any, before and during pregnancy. Periodic gynecological examination for early detection of vaginal infections and treatment. Ultrasound measures the length of the cervix from weeks 16 to 22 of pregnancy. Periodic antenatal check-up on time to detect early and apply preventive measures for cases of risk of preterm birth. There are many methods to prevent preterm birth: cervical stitches, cervical lifting, vaginal progesterone insertion..

Injecting drugs to mature fetal lungs for pregnancies at risk of premature birth when prescribed by a doctor. Using drugs to stop uterine contractions when indicated Whether it is a pregnancy after assisted reproduction or natural, should minimize pregnancy when there are more than 2 fetuses in the uterus. In cases where there is a history of preterm birth and assisted reproduction, only 1 embryo should be transferred to the uterus to reduce the risk of preterm birth for the following pregnancy due to multiple pregnancies.
Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal care visits, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively.
In addition to regular check-ups, pregnant women will also be advised on nutrition and exercise so that the mother can gain weight reasonably while the fetus still absorbs nutrients well. Health check-ups under the close supervision of experienced and specialized obstetricians help mothers gain more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as minimize complications affecting the mother. and child.