Having a healthy baby begins with a healthy pregnancy. Most recently, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that the percentage of premature births has risen to 12%, the highest it has been in 20 years. In 2003, nearly half a million babies were born prematurely. While premature birth takes an emotional toll on a family, it can also be financially straining. On average, hospitals stays for newborns without any complications can be $1700. These charges increase dramatically to $77,000 for infants that are born too early or too small. Hospital charges in 2003 for all infants totaled $36.7 billion and nearly half of that, $18.1 billion, was for premature births. Infants born without complications have an average hospital stay of 2 days, while infants with any diagnosis of low birth weight or prematurity stay average a 13 day stay. Those infants with a principal diagnosis of low birth weight or prematurity have an average hospital stay of 24 days. Early prenatal care plays an important part in having a health pregnancy.

Full term pregnancies last between 37–42 weeks. Babies born early can have many complications after birth and throughout their life. At birth, premature babies have less developed organs and may face multiple health problems including infection. Some health complications of preterm babies include cerebral palsy, mental retardation, blindness, and chronic lung problems. Receiving early prenatal care is a key factor in delivering a health baby and reducing the chances of preterm birth.

Premature births occur prior to completing the 36th week of pregnancy. Receiving early prenatal care from your Ob/gyn physician can benefit all mothers–to–be. Designed to monitor the progress of your pregnancy, prenatal care provides the opportunity for your physician to educate you about your pregnancy, monitor your blood pressure, test for problems with the baby, and refer you to childbirth education classes. A typical prenatal schedule is as follows:

• Weeks 4–28: One visit per month or every four weeks
• Weeks 28–36: Two visits per month (every 2–3 weeks)
• Weeks 36 to birth: One visit per week

In addition, women who do become pregnant should take prenatal vitamins, eat a healthy diet, avoid uncooked or undercooked meats and fish, control caffeine consumption, be active for 30 minutes a day, avoid smoking, and refrain from drinking alcohol.

In addition to prenatal care, women should consult their physicians prior to becoming pregnant. Taking care of yourself before you become pregnant will lower your chance of having a baby with health problems. Physicians often recommend that women trying to become pregnant begin taking at least 400mcg of folic acid per day. Folic acid helps to prevent certain birth defects in babies. In addition, your physician may also recommend that you make changes in your diet, begin exercising regularly, and schedule a physical. During the consultation with your Ob/gyn discuss any medications including over–the–counter and prescriptions that you are currently taking. Some medications can harm your babyÂ’s health. Finally be sure to discuss prior health related problems and family history, both of these will help your physician to determine your prenatal care.

Many advances have been made to help stop preterm labor, but the best advantage of delaying labor if it begins too early is education. Both mom and dad should know the warning signs of preterm labor. In many cases, recognizing preterm labor early will allow time to transport the patient to a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit or use medication to stop contractions. Some warning signs of preterm labor are:

• Contractions every 10 minutes or more often
• Pelvic pressure – feeling that your baby is pushing down
• Dull, low backache
• Cramps
• Abdominal cramps

If you have any of the above symptoms, call your healthcare provider. He or she may suggest that you go to the hospital or your physician may ask you to stop what you are doing and rest on your left side for one hour. In addition, your healthcare provider may suggest drinking 2–3 glasses of water or juice, however, if the symptoms do not go away within an hour, have you partner take you to the hospital and call your physician.

Starting healthy and staying healthy during your entire pregnancy greatly reduces the risks of delivering prematurely. Both you and your partner should know the signs of preterm labor. Together you can make your pregnancy a healthy one.