Believe it or not, many women are not aware how crucial the last few weeks of pregnancy truly are in terms of the health of their babies. Some believe that their babies can safely be born as early as 34-36 weeks, despite factual information about the realities of preterm birth.
Mothers Mistakenly Believe Babies Can Arrive Weeks Before Their Due Date
A recent survey showed that as many as 25% of new mothers believed that the earliest that a baby could safely arrive was 34-36 weeks. More than 50% of mothers participating in the survey described the earliest possible time that was safe for birth was 37-38 weeks. Only 25% of the new mothers felt that 39-40 weeks of pregnancy was the safest time for their baby to arrive.
However, by the current definition, preterm births are those which take place prior to 37 weeks. Could this discrepancy, in part, account for the growing numbers of preterm births taking place today?
Definition of Preterm Birth May Be Needed
Some researchers believe that the definition of preterm birth as any birth occurring before 37 weeks ought to be revised. One reason for a revision in the definition of preterm birth is that babies born as late as 37 to 38 weeks of pregnancy can still have complications such as respiratory distress and even learning disabilities in comparison to babies born around 39 weeks of pregnancy. A definition of preterm prior to 37 weeks may lead mothers to believe that inducing their labor or scheduling an elective cesarean at 38 weeks will out rule complications with their babies and it is simply not true.
Health of Preterm Babies Distorted in Media
Experts believe that news items that describe success stories of very early preterm babies may mislead parents into thinking that even if their baby arrives too early, they will not have complications. Robert Goldenberg, lead physician in the survey, explained that these stories of "miracle babies" who survive at 30 weeks may lead mothers to believe that a 34 or 36 week baby is only a "little premature" and will be fine.
Last Weeks Of Pregnancy Vital to Babies' Survival
The reality is that the last month of pregnancy is especially vital, not only to the survival of the baby, but also for their long-term health. Babies born between 34-37 weeks of pregnancy are six times more likely to not survive the first week after life than those born at 39 to 40 weeks. Research also shows that scheduling a cesarean at 37 or 38 weeks of pregnancy were more likely to have the following complications:
- hospital stays for five days or longer
- respiratory/breathing complications
- neonatal sepsis (serious infection)
- mechanical ventilation (assistance with breathing)
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- admission to the NICU
The last weeks of pregnancy also have many necessary changes, including fat layers being established, organs preparing for life outside the womb and increases in brain cell development.
Talking to Your Care Provider About Waiting Until 39 weeks for Inductions and Elective Cesareans
Goldenberg suggests that expectant mothers discuss waiting until 39 weeks before scheduling any induction of labor or elective cesarean to avoid possible complications. He also recommends that hospitals establish policies that restrict routine inductions or cesarean without an indicated risk.
References:
Tita, A., "Timing of Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery at Term and Neonatal Outcomes," NEJM, Vol. 360, January 2009.
Goldenberg, R., "Women's Perceptions Regarding the Safety of Births at Various Gestational Ages," Obstetrics and Gynecology, December 2009.
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
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