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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Preterm labor and premature birth may have various complications.

For mothers
Aside from starting too early, preterm labor typically resembles normal labor. Unfortunately, treatments used to delay delivery have only limited success and may carry risks. 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.

On a more positive note, your doctor can give you medications that will increase the rate your baby matures in the uterus. These can have a beneficial impact in as little as 48 hours.

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
  • Hearing problems

Less serious complications may include:

  • Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
  • Decreased number 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.

Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. Lockwood CJ. Overview of preterm labor and delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 5, 2009.
  2. Behrman RE, et al. Preterm Birth: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press; 2007.
  3. Robinson JN, et al. Risk factors for preterm labor and delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 5, 2009.
  4. Preterm labor. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_1080.asp. Accessed Oct. 15, 2009.
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Management of preterm labor. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. 2003;82:127.
  6. Preterm labor. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp087.cfm. Accessed Oct. 7, 2009.
  7. Torpy JM, et al. Premature infants. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2005;294:390.
  8. Hass DM, et al. Tocolytic therapy: A meta-analysis and decision analysis. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2009;113:585.
  9. Hovi P, et al. Glucose regulation in young adults with very low birth weight. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;356:2053.
  10. Stephens BE, et al. Neurodevelopmental outcome of the premature infant. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2009;56:631.
  11. Johnson JR, et al. Cervical insufficiency. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 16, 2009.
  12. Rotteveel J, et al. Infant and childhood growth patterns, insulin sensitivity, and blood pressure in prematurely born young adults. Pediatrics. 2008;122:313.
  13. McLenan D. Care of the high-risk neonate. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy 2009. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/165165325-12/0/2159/511.html?tocnode=58019811&fromURL=511.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-5974-5..00259-8_4198. Accessed Oct. 16, 2009.
  14. Pregnancy: Frequently asked questions. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/pregnancy_faq.asp. Accessed Oct. 7, 2009.
  15. Parenting corner Q&A: Premature infants. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Preemie_GoingHome.htm. Accessed Oct. 16, 2009.
  16. Parenting in the NICU: Becoming an informed parent. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21295_6084.asp. Accessed Oct. 16, 2009.
  17. Coping with the NICU experience: The NICU roller coaster. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21292_11191.asp. Accessed Oct. 16, 2009.
  18. Parenting in the NICU: Feeding your baby. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21295_6091.asp. Accessed Oct. 16, 2009.

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Nov. 25, 2009

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