A premature birth is a birth that occurs prior to the 37^th week of pregnancy. Little is known about what causes preterm labor, however doctors and researchers have identified many risk factors associated with an increased chance of a premature birth.   Identifying any potential risk factors you may have and educating yourself about what you can do to help prevent your pregnancy from ending in preterm labor are very important.  Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and what you should do throughout your pregnancy to help it go full term.

A few of the common risk factors associated with premature births include:

• Being pregnant with multiples. The greater the number of fetuses you are carrying the earlier you are likely to deliver.

• If you have had a previous preterm birth you are more likely to have a subsequent preterm birth.

• The existence of uterine or cervical abnormalities puts you are an increased risk of premature labor.

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding after your 20^th week of pregnancy is a common risk factor, your doctor will likely monitor your pregnancy closely if this unexplained bleeding occurs.

• If you are underweight or overweight going into the pregnancy your have an increased chance of delivering prematurely. Your weight gain during pregnancy can also have an impact.

• A short time between pregnancies, less than 6-9 months can increase your odds of delivering prematurely.

• If the pregnancy is the result of IVF (in vitro fertilization).

• A lack of prenatal care during your pregnancy definitely increases the chances that your baby will be born prematurely.

• If you consumed alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs during your pregnancy.

• Long working hours, particularly if you are standing a lot and high levels of stress at work or home can contribute.

There are many factors that may put you at greater risk of delivering prematurely, however, there is little known about what actually causes the preterm labor. If you have any of the risk factors be sure to discuss them with your doctor and determine what you can do to decrease your odds of experiencing preterm labor.

For information on signs of labor see my recent article, Early Signs of Labor.