Oral hygiene
According to a study published by the Journal of Periodontology., gum disease can result in preterm labor and low-birth weight for the baby. You should check with your physician if you’re experiencing bleeding while brushing your teeth or eating, bad breath or loose teeth.
Prenatal care
It’s important to regularly see your physician while pregnant. Also, ask about taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid. These could help prevent premature labor and any complications with the baby after birth.
Ask about preventive options
If you are high risk for preterm birth, which includes women who are African American, women under age 18 or over 35 and women with a history of delivering preterm, it’s wise to speak with your doctor about preventive treatments. Progesterone shots have been shown to reduce preterm birth risk by nearly a third. A minor surgery called a cerclage, where the cervix is stitched closed, may also help prevent preterm birth.
Watch your weight
Lastly, weight can be a risk factor in premature birth. Experts recommend women be at their healthy weight prior to becoming pregnant. Findings from a Stanford University study showed obesity before pregnancy is linked to earliest preterm births. It’s recommended obese or overweight women gain less weight during pregnancy, while women who are underweight before pregnancy should gain more weight.