What is Preterm Birth?
Preterm birth refers to when a baby is born alive prior to completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. Based on the gestational age of the baby, there are categories of preterm birth:
- Extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks)
- Very preterm (28 to less than 32 weeks)
- Moderate to late preterm (32 to 37 weeks)
This preterm birth may be due to spontaneous preterm labour or medical indications such as infections that require an early induction of labour.
While the causes of preterm birth require further research, some causes can include:
- Having multiple pregnancies
- Infections
- Problems with the placenta, uterus, or cervix
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Drug or alcohol use during pregnancy
Research showed that a history of preterm birth may lead to heart-related health risks for the mother. Women who delivered a preterm baby were at higher risk for developing higher blood pressures. Those with increased blood pressure were more likely to show signs of coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
However, researchers have identified that preterm birth alone is not enough to raise significant risk. It is important to understand that there are multiple factors that come into play and necessary steps are taken to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Know Your Risk
Speak to your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider about your pregnancy history, including the number of pregnancies, history of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and/or diabetes, number of miscarriages and/or stillbirths, babies born early or small size. It is also important to note any family history of preeclampsia or high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease. Don't have a healthcare provider or need help interacting with your healthcare provider? Click here to learn more.
Know your numbers. It is recommended that women who have had preeclampsia be routinely screened for risk of CVD. This includes checking blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. Use the Pregnancy Passport Tool to help you track.
Reduce the Risk
There are a number of lifestyle factors that help reduce the risk of heart disease. You can improve your chances of being heart healthy by being aware of the risks and keeping the following factors in optimal range.
- Smoking cessation. Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to positively affect your heart health. It is never too late to quit.
- Get moving. Aim to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every week. That is an average of 30 minutes per day and can be broken down to as little as 10 minutes at a time.
- Follow a heart healthy diet. Look to incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and/or plant-based proteins into all your meals. Reduce the number of foods that have high saturated fat and high salt content.
- Aim to achieve your best weight. Best weight is the weight you can maintain when living the healthiest life you are able.
- Reduce your alcohol intake. Aim for fewer than 2 drinks per day and less than 9 drinks per week for women.
- Manage stress. Make time for yourself and discover what helps you relax. Stay connected to others and seek support if stress becomes a concern.