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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffPreterm labor and premature birth may have various complications.
For mothers
Aside from starting too early, preterm labor typically resembles normal labor. Treatments used to delay delivery may carry risks, however. Medications that halt uterine contractions may cause fluid to collect in your lungs, which can make it difficult to breathe. Other side effects depend on the medication used to stop labor. Some medications can lead to fatigue and muscle weakness. Others may cause a rapid heartbeat, blood sugar abnormalities, headaches, dizziness or nausea.
Your health care provider will weigh the potential risks from medications used to stop labor against the risks for your baby if he or she is born too soon.
For babies
The risks of premature birth vary depending on how soon a baby is born. Although survival is possible for babies born as early as 23 to 26 weeks, the risks are greatest for the youngest babies.
Complications of premature birth may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Episodes of stopped breathing (apnea)
- Bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
- Fluid accumulation in the brain (hydrocephalus)
- Cerebral palsy and other neurological problems
- Vision problems
- Intestinal problems
- Developmental delays
- Learning disabilities
Less serious complications may include:
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Lack of red blood cells (anemia)
- Low blood pressure
For some premature babies, difficulties may not appear until later in childhood or even adulthood. Not performing well in school is often a prime concern. Some studies suggest that premature babies may face an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
But not all preemies have medical or developmental problems. By 28 to 30 weeks, the risk of serious complications is much lower. And for babies born between 32 and 36 weeks, most medical problems related to premature birth are short term.
