Give Your Baby a Healthy Start

11/17/2021

Preterm birth refers to babies born before the 37 week of pregnancy. World Prematurity Day is observed each year on November 17 to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding preterm birth. It shines a light on the challenges families with preterm infants face.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 10% of the babies born in the United States in 2020 were born too early. While COVID-19 may have impacted this number, the United States has long been one of the most dangerous countries for underdeveloped childbirth, with racial and ethnic disparities in access to care continuing to be an issue.

Ensuring that your baby boy or girl has a healthy start to life begins with good prenatal care. Prenatal care refers to the care mother and baby receive throughout the entire pregnancy, and it can minimize pregnancy complications, decreasing the likelihood of birth defects and easing postpartum recovery. It’s important to begin prenatal care early – and see a physician regularly – to get the maximum benefit.

“Giving your baby an early foundation for good health is one of the greatest gifts you can offer,” said Narmeen Syed, family medicine physician at DeTar Family Medicine Center. “If you’re planning to start a family, begin with a preconception checkup. Your healthcare provider can help screen for certain health problems, infections, make sure your immunizations are up to date, as well as discuss your nutrition and lifestyle habits, medications and certain foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy.”

Women who are planning to become pregnant should also talk with a healthcare provider for advice on lifestyle changes and healthy practices that will contribute to a healthy pregnancy.

“I recommend starting a healthy living plan before becoming pregnant,” added Syed. “This includes a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and certain medicines and foods.”

Babies born to mothers who do not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care, according to the March of Dimes. Babies that weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces at birth are considered low birth weight and are at greater risk of serious health problems and disabilities such as mental retardation, learning problems, cerebral palsy, bleeding in the brain, digestive problems, and vision or hearing loss. These infants’ survival rate is also lower than babies of normal weight (ranging from about 5 1/2 to 9 pounds). Research suggests that babies with low birth weight may be at risk for health problems as adults, too, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Establishing a regular schedule of prenatal care that includes various screenings throughout the pregnancy is vitally important,” said Syed. It’s important to follow this plan and comply with your provider’s instructions for your medical care and personal health habits. It’s also important to work with your provider to manage any chronic conditions that can affect your pregnancy and your baby’s growth, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid disease.”

Women at risk for preterm delivery, should also consider where they will deliver their baby. In addition to routine maternity and obstetric care, the staff at DeTar Hospital North’s Women & Children’s Center provide care for infants born as early as 26 weeks gestation.

At DeTar Hospital North, new mothers will find a team of specially trained neonatal care professionals and the advanced technology needed to care for the critically ill or preterm infants.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is staffed around the clock by neonatal physicians and nurses trained in STABLE, a certification course that teaches staff the intricacies of stabilizing a neonate, and the entire NICU nursing team has either completed certification or is in the process of being certified in the care of extremely low birth with infants.

“We recently expanded our capacity to care for more critical babies by purchasing special equipment that has sensitive temperature and humidity control,” said Mary Claire Bradshaw, director of women’s services at DeTar Hospital North. “We also have invested in high-frequency oscillator ventilators for our babies that have critical lung disease.”

Having a baby is one of the most exciting and rewarding times in a woman's life, and DeTar Healthcare System is dedicated to providing expectant mothers and newborns with the finest care during this special time.

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant and need a physician, visit mydetardoctor.com to schedule an appointment with the physicians at DeTar Family Medicine Center, or call to make an appointment at 361-579-8300. Se habla espanol.

Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, CDC.gov; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, womenshealth.gov; March of Dimes, marchofdimes.com; National Institutes of Health, nlm.nih.gov.

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