Every mother-to-be wants to do everything in her control to prevent pre-term labor, which is labor before 37 weeks. Since the beginning of time, women have heard so many stories of complications during pregnancy, resulting in the early birth of the child – sometimes, too early for the baby’s organs to function properly without medical help. Black women are 50 percent more likely to deliver preterm babies than white mothers.
Here are a few tips to help prevent a premature birth:
Flu shot
Yes, y’all, the wintertime is upon us. CVS Pharmacy and every other clinic is boasting about the flu shot, which maybe didn’t sound so appealing before pregnancy. But now, as an expecting mother, the flu shot is a good way to avoid preterm labor. Health complications, such as pneumonia, can come from contracting the flu virus, especially while pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states a pregnant woman can safely receive a flu shot during any trimester.
Stop drinking and smoking
Well, this should go without saying, but drinking and smoking during pregnancy has been shown to put women higher risk for preterm birth, jeopardizing the health of your baby for years to come.
Drink water
Dehydration is one of the causes of contractions, which go hand-in-hand with preterm labor if they begin weeks before your due date. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Well, actually, you may want to drink at least 10 glasses of water a day while pregnant.