You had a premature baby . You are ready to get pregnant again and wondering if your next baby will be born early. The cause of your previous preterm delivery may not be known. Sometimes labor starts without warning. Other times early delivery is essential to save the life of both the mother and baby. Discuss your plans to conceive with your doctor. There may be things  both you and your health care provider can do to help you stay pregnant longer.

Do you need to see a special health care provider ?

 
Talk to your doctor when you are ready to get pregnant again. He may refer you to a doctor who is specialized to care for women who are likely to have pregnancy complications such as premature birth.

How can i reduce my chances of another premature birth ?

 
No one knows the exact cause of having a premature birth. However there are things you can do to reduce your chances of having your baby too early. Here are some of the steps you can take to reduce your chances of having a premature birth.

• treat  or manage health condition such as diabetes and high blood pressure before you try to get pregnant again
• getting pregnant too soon after having a baby increases your chances for a premature delivery. It is important to wait at least 18 to 23 months after your previous  child to get pregnant again
• reduce your risks of infections during pregnancy by practicing good personal hygiene such as washing your hands well with warm water and soap after you use the bathroom or blow your nose. You should also use condom during pregnancy to reduce your chances of getting sexually transmitted diseases STD
• being overweight or underweight can increase your risk of a premature birth. Eat healthy and stay active during pregnancy. You should also discuss with your doctor the right amount of weight you need to gain
• Stop bad lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and taking illegal drugs.

 
Your doctor may also take steps to prevent another premature delivery. If cervical weakness was the cause of your previous early delivery, your doctor will consider a cervical cerclage to help you stay pregnant longer.

The doctor may give you a vaginal scan. If your doctor finds shortening of the cervix, you may benefit from hormonal treatment.

You will also be monitored throughout pregnancy for signs of premature labor. Contact your health care provider right away if you experience any symptoms of premature labor.
 
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