Preterm birth at 34 weeks pregnant

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Each future mother, being in a great position, worries about the he alth and life of her unborn baby. A woman initially gives herself the installation to take care of herself, follow all the instructions of the attending gynecologist and bring the pregnancy to the due date. Unfortunately, despite prevention, the right lifestyle and adherence to recommendations, there are cases when the pregnancy ends prematurely. For example, it sometimes happens that labor occurs at 34 weeks.

What is preterm birth?

Premature is considered the birth of a child before 37 weeks. After this conditional line, pregnancy can be considered full-term. And the child in most cases is born fully developed and he althy. Children who were born before 37 weeks (lower threshold - 28) with a weight of 1000 to 2500 kg are considered premature. This data is up to 1993. AfterThe All-Russian He alth Organization has adopted a new lower level of prematurity in children who are subject to resuscitation - 500 gr. And if such a child survives within a week after birth, then such childbirth is called premature. The weight of the fetus can be extremely low.

Premature birth at 34 weeks of gestation is not as scary as, for example, at the 28th. Usually, by this time, the child already weighs about 2200 grams, his height reaches 43-45 cm. He is developed and, most likely, after birth he will breathe on his own - there will be no need for resuscitation. Also by this time the child takes the position in which he will move along the birth canal. The mother's body is preparing for the upcoming birth, training contractions appear. But, despite the seemingly satisfactory facts for a birth, 34 weeks is not enough time for a full-fledged birth.

Causes of preterm birth

Delivery at 34 weeks can be caused by various reasons. They largely depend on the he alth of the future mother, external factors, lifestyle, as well as genetic changes in the body of the fetus. The main causes of preterm labor are:

• Infections and pathologies of the cervix and uterus in general.
• Multiple pregnancy. Often these pregnancies are delivered prematurely.
• Polyhydramnios.
• Endocrine disorders.
• Diseases of organs and systems of the mother's body - cardiovascular, gastrointestinal andothers.
• Fetal malformations, including genetic diseases.
• Colds and inflammation during pregnancy.
• Bad habits - smoking, alcohol, drugs.
• Living in an ecological disaster zone.
• Difficult working conditions.
• Psychological experiences, stress.
• Pregnancy injuries.

Signs of preterm labor

At this time (34 weeks), the pregnant woman's body begins to prepare for childbirth. “False” or, as they are also called, “training” contractions appear. A pregnant woman may feel unpleasant, even painful sensations in the lumbar region, sacrum, and pelvis. And also in the stomach. If these symptoms do not cause any particular inconvenience and are not of a constant and growing nature, you should not worry too much.

If there is aching pain in the abdomen, which does not go away for a long time and is not removed by auxiliary drugs, or if intermittent contractile movements in the uterus become regular, you should consult a doctor. If these symptoms are not stopped, then childbirth may occur at 34 weeks.

Treatment for threatened preterm birth

Let's say a woman has a threat of preterm birth: 34 weeks is not a full term, so it is understandable that the expectant mother is worried. Do not panic ahead of time. The threat may not necessarily turn into childbirth. At this time, it is quite possible to carry out successful treatment and savepregnancy. First of all, the girl needs to ensure complete rest and bed rest. And, of course, call an ambulance. To maintain pregnancy, mandatory hospitalization will follow. Before the arrival of doctors, you can drink the simplest sedatives - motherwort, valerian. And a simple antispasmodic. For example, "No-shpu" ("Drotaverin"). After hospitalization, if there is a possibility of maintaining the pregnancy, the attending physician will prescribe the necessary drugs. Most often, these are drugs to relieve the tone of the uterus, sedative medications.

But, if preterm labor at 34-35 weeks has already begun, it is quite possible that they will not be stopped. Especially if the amniotic fluid has broken. Since at this time the child, although not yet grown up to standard parameters, is quite viable. Most often, he does not even need resuscitation. As a last resort, a hormonal drug will be administered to prepare the baby's lungs for independent breathing. Here we are already talking about a purely individual approach.

Features of preterm labor management

Most often, preterm birth at terms close to natural, pass without any excesses. But a distinctive feature is the reduction in the time of the process itself. Preterm births often go much faster than usual. If there is any serious pathology or emergency, then a caesarean section is performed. Recently, epidural or spinal anesthesia has been used for pain relief. Less commonly and for special indications - general anesthesia. It is also used to manage the natural course of childbirth.anesthesia or conventional painkillers to be taken by mouth. It is also necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the mother and child.

Consequences of preterm birth for the baby

Preterm birth at 34 weeks for a baby has less consequences than at earlier dates. At this stage, the fetus is developed enough to begin to live a full life. Most often, a child born at this time has already developed a respiratory system, as well as digestive organs. The problem arises only with a small weight. If it is not critical, then the child is in the hospital with his mother. If problems arise with the weight of the baby, they can be transferred to the neonatal pathology department. Also, as with any other pronounced deviations from the he alth and development of the crumbs. In general, a premature baby after 34 weeks, with proper care and nutrition, quickly catches up with the development of full-term babies.

Effects of preterm birth on the mother

For a woman in labor, premature birth at 34 weeks is not particularly dangerous. They practically do not differ from the usual process on time. With earlier births, the number of ruptures decreases: both internal and external. The only thing worth paying close attention to is the causes of premature birth. By identifying and subsequently eliminating them, similar risks are prevented in future pregnancies. The second time, it is necessary to pay special attention to exactly the period at which there was a threat or premature birth inprevious time.

Prevention of preterm birth

It is better to take care of a he althy and fulfilling pregnancy in advance. After all, it is well known that it is better to prevent any harmful consequences than to reap the sad fruits. It is advisable to plan pregnancy in advance. During this, it is necessary to abandon bad habits, heavy loads, psychological experiences. Be sure to undergo a complete examination of both the body as a whole and the reproductive system. And this applies not only to the future mother, but also to the father. If there were any chronic diseases or problems of genetic origin in the family, a mandatory consultation with a specialist is necessary. Also, when planning and during pregnancy, it is necessary to avoid contact with infectious patients, follow all the prescriptions of doctors, and undergo scheduled examinations.

Of course, not every case and situation can be predicted. But there are plenty of opportunities when giving birth at 34 weeks can be prevented. Or make sure that they cause minimal harm to the he alth of the mother and child. To do this, you need to take care of yourself, not neglect medical care and, in general, be responsible for the he alth of the unborn child.