Preterm Birth Causes: Why are premature births on the rise in India? Learn the real reason behind premature delivery.:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Why Preterm Births Are Rising: Premature delivery, i.e., birth before 37 weeks, has become a major health concern in India. Medical facilities have improved, but the number of premature births continues to rise. Globally, the rate of preterm births ranges between 4% and 15%, while in India it is often between 10% and 15%. Due to the large population and lack of equal healthcare facilities, approximately 2.5 to 3 million babies are born prematurely in the country every year, which is the highest in the world.

Why are premature births increasing?

Doctors say there's no single cause of premature birth. Several factors combine to increase the risk, such as the mother's age, nutrition, illnesses, stress, and the gap between pregnancies. Dr. Deepa Singh of Raipur's Janani Care Hospital explains that the risk can begin even before conception. Two trends are on the rise in India: very young pregnancies and pregnancies after 35. Both situations pose greater risks. Furthermore, a short gap between pregnancies puts additional strain on the body and can trigger premature labor.

Maternal nutrition is the leading cause of premature delivery. Women with anemia, low BMI, or vitamin deficiencies, or who don't get regular pregnancy checkups, are at significantly increased risk. Failure to get checkups can lead to many problems, such as infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, or sudden weight gain, going undetected. Often, infections trigger premature labor, but women ignore them due to embarrassment or lack of information. Furthermore, diseases like diabetes, obesity, thyroid, and high blood pressure are also increasing among young women, further increasing the risk.

Necessary steps to prevent

Premature birth cannot always be prevented, but timely care can significantly reduce it. It begins during a girl's adolescence. Proper nutrition, vaccinations, and information on reproductive health are essential. Pre-conception screening is also beneficial, correcting anemia, controlling thyroid, and treating infections. Regular checkups are essential during pregnancy to monitor blood pressure, sugar levels, baby's growth, and placental status. Including iron, folic acid, calcium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is crucial. Gentle exercise, prenatal yoga, adequate sleep, and adequate water manage both physical health and stress.