With all of this talk about preterm labor you’re probably wondering, “What can I do to reduce my risk?” Ok, maybe you wouldn’t have used those exact words, but you get the point.  Did you notice how I did not use the word prevent? I used the phrase “reduce the risk” because as I mentioned before, sometimes you can do everything right and still have preterm labor.

  The known risk factors are:

• Carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, quadruplets or more).
• Having a previous preterm birth.
• Problems with the uterus or cervix.
• Chronic health problems in the mother, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and clotting disorders.
• Certain infections during pregnancy.
• Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or illicit drug use during pregnancy.

There are things you can do to help your own health and lower your risk of having a premature baby such as:

• Quit smoking and avoid substances such as alcohol or drugs.
• See your health care provider for a medical checkup before pregnancy.
• Work with your health care provider to control diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Get prenatal care early, as soon as you think you may be pregnant, and throughout the pregnancy.
• Discuss concerns during pregnancy with your health care provider, and seek medical attention for any warning signs or symptoms of preterm labor.

More research still is needed to understand the risk factors for premature birth, such as how family history, genetics, lifestyle, and environment may interact to put some women at greater risk for a premature delivery.