photo credit: Gustty

Babies who are born between 24 and 37 weeks of gestation are defined as premature babies or preemies. A normal full term baby is born between 40 and 42 weeks. About 10% of all babies are born prematurely. There are various possible reasons that induce a woman to go into an early labor. Some of them are:

• It is a multiple pregnancy, carrying twins or more.

• There is a history of premature births, stillbirths, infertility or abortions.

• The baby inside the womb may not be growing well due to the placenta not providing enough nourishment.

• The woman’s age is a factor. Those under 18 or above 35 are at higher risk.

• If a woman’s cervix is weak, it won’t stay close.

• If a woman is overweight or underweight, there is an increase risk for premature birth.

• The woman has a health complication such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.

• Being tired or overworked all the time can lead to delivering early.

• There is substance abuse of drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

A woman may also elect to have an early delivery based on the advice of her doctor. Her baby may not be doing well or her health may be in danger.

The following can help to prevent a premature labor although there is no guarantee that it won’t happen:

• Stop smoking
• Avoid a stressful lifestyle
• Don’t drink alcohol
• Maintain a proper and healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy way of life, get enough rest and exercise
• Keep all your appointments with the doctor to ensure your pregnancy is progressing normally

I am fortunate that all my pregnancies were normal and full term.The good news is that medical technology is very advanced nowadays to ensure that a preterm baby is able to grow up into a normal child.

photo credit: MeriaDuck

Are you looking forward to the prospect of being a father or dad? If you are, great! If you and your spouse have been planning to have a baby, then this is a happy occasion indeed. This is surely one of the landmark points in your life.

Your spouse will be the one carrying and nurturing the baby inside her womb. As the father-to-be, how do you support your partner during the pregnancy? Well for a start, you can always attend the antenatal appointments with her. Some of the benefits you will get are:

• You can see your baby on the ultrasound scan and start to form a bond with your unborn baby.

• You are certainly supporting your partner as this is a new experience for her as well.

• You are involved in the pregnancy from the very beginning and are aware of the progress each step of the way. If there are complications, you can discuss the pregnancy with the doctor together with your spouse and ensure that the pregnancy is progressing smoothly.

• Inadvertently your knowledge will increase and prepare you for future pregnancies.

I f your spouse is attending antenatal classes, be sure to go with her. Together, you will learn what to expect during labor and birth. Your support and help will be expected when the actual time to give birth comes.

Other things to do with you partner are:

• Spend time and enjoy each other’s company as much as possible as when the baby arrives, your time alone will be limited.

• Go shopping and buy the necessary things or equipment for the baby.

• You and your partner may want to take a tour of the maternity unit or ward before the due date.

• You may start to prepare the baby’s nursery or room such as painting and decorating.

• You and your partner may want to discuss potential names for your baby.

There you have it, the above are suggestions for the new dad on how you can share the experience of pregnancy with your partner. Both of you may have your concerns, worries or questions, so talk openly to each other and look for the answers or solutions as a couple.

Before you make any plans to have a child or to have more children, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. Get yourself and your partner thinking on the following questions and discuss them openly. These questions are examples only and you should further discuss issues that you think may be important. If everything is agreeable and there are no obstacles, having the child will be a happy and momentous occasion.

Sample questions to discuss together:

• Why do we want a baby/ more children?
• Are we ready financially
• Are we able to provide a comfortable home for the child?
• Who will look after the baby after it is born?
• Will one partner quit his/her job to stay home to look after the new baby?
• Are you willing to sacrifice your time (less time for yourself) to bring up the child?
• Are you ready for the extra burden (more responsibilities) of taking care of another person?

Well, the truth is becoming a parent can seem the job from hell for some people. It is therefore important to share the responsibilities with your spouse or partner. Once you have cleared away all the doubts and crossed all the hurdles, your reward will be a beautiful new baby. It is a goal both you and your partner work hard on to make a reality.

The mother has nurtured the baby for nine months inside her womb and has gone through an unimaginable labor. The baby has to be worth all the hard work, preparations and worries and therefore deserves loving parents. The last thing you would want is to have a baby without any forethoughts or preparations. With the proper planning, the end results are happy parents and family and that happiness should stay forever as you raise your children.