Risks for premature labor

Sometimes babies just come early, and there isn’t anything that you could have done

differently to prevent it. However, following is a list of some risk factors that can

increase the possibility of having a premature labor. If any of these risk factors apply

to you, talk with your doctor about how to address them so you can reduce the risk

of a premature birth.

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 Giving birth to multiple babies (such as twins or triplets)

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 Smoking during pregnancy

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 Being malnourished during your pregnancy

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 Having a health issue such as diabetes or high blood pressure

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 Experiencing high levels of stress during pregnancy

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 Using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy

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 Dealing with a health concern during pregnancy such as placenta previa

(where the placenta covers part of the cervix) or preeclampsia (whose symp-

toms include high blood pressure and protein in the urine).

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 Having a previous premature baby

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 Being underweight or overweight during your pregnancy

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 Having an infection with a fever during your pregnancy