Host: If you're experiencing something that we haven't covered, please ask your provider. Just a reminder, if you are concerned about anything during your pregnancy, please be sure to ask your provider. There's no reason to be embarrassed by any question that you may have. Next, let's find out about pre-term labor. Nurse: Hello. My name is Carmen, and I work in the neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital, where we take care of premature babies. Premature, or preterm, birth is any delivery that takes place before the 37th week of pregnancy. You may be relieved to know that more babies are born "late" than "early". The problem with having a baby early is that the baby does not have all of the time he needs to develop. The earlier the baby is born, the bigger the risk that there will be a serious problem.
Each of us on your health care team is very concerned about helping you achieve a normal, full-term pregnancy. You can help prevent preterm labor with proper nutrition and by making sure you gain enough weight; not smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs during your pregnancy; and following your provider's instructions very carefully. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent preterm labor. The good news is that less than 10% of American women have premature babies.