A baby that is born before 37 weeks gestation is considered to be ‘premature’ or ‘preterm’. There are different categories of prematurity:
extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks)
very preterm (between 28 and 32 weeks)
moderate to late preterm (between 32 and 37 weeks).
In the UK, roughly one in every 13 babies will be born prematurely.Preterm birth carries risks because babies who are born too soon may not be fully developed, and need specialist help for life outside of the womb. Preterm babies are also at risk of longer term health problems.
Call your midwife or maternity unit if you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and you have:
regular period type pains or contractions
constant abdominal pain
a “show” – the mucus plug that sits inside the cervix during pregnancy. This can be clear or blood stained
fresh red bleeding from the vagina
a gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina – this could be your waters breaking
backache that is not usual for you, or pressure in the vagina or rectum.
You may find this range of videos about premature birth from Best Beginnings helpful:
A baby that is born before 37 weeks gestation is considered to be ‘premature’ or ‘preterm’. There are different categories of prematurity: