Certain medical conditions, like having a rhesus negative blood type, diabetes⍰, kidney disease⍰, or high blood pressure⍰, can affect your baby’s development. Sometimes, these issues may lead to the decision to deliver the baby early.

Rhesus Negative Blood Group: People are classified as having either a positive or negative blood type based on the presence of a substance called the 'Rhesus factor'. If you are Rh-negative and your baby is Rh-positive, your body can make antibodies⍰ against the baby’s blood cells if their blood mixes with yours. This usually does not pose a problem during the first pregnancy, but these antibodies can become active in a future pregnancy with an Rh-positive baby and cause a condition called rhesus disease, which can affect the baby’s red blood cells.

Rhesus disease can be prevented with an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin. This injection is typically given after any event that might cause foetal blood to enter your bloodstream, such as labour or delivery, amniocentesis⍰, miscarriage⍰, or trauma. Blood tests during antenatal screenings will check your blood type and identify if this prevention is needed.

Diabetes: Babies born to mothers with diabetes or gestational diabetes⍰ are at a higher risk of being larger than average at birth and being born early. They are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes⍰ later in life. Properly managing diabetes can help reduce the risk of complications.

Managing diabetes during pregnancy

Achieving optimal blood sugar⍰ control can help reduce complications associated with diabetes and gestational diabetes. Here are some key management options:

Lifestyle modifications:
 

• Physical activity: Regular, moderate exercise can help maintain blood sugar levels.
• Dietary management: Following a balanced diet tailored to your needs can support stable glucose⍰ levels.

Medical interventions:
 

• Monitoring blood glucose: Regular checks help you and your healthcare provider manage blood sugar levels effectively.
• Insulin therapy: If necessary, insulin⍰ may be prescribed to achieve optimal glucose control.

By working closely with your healthcare team, these strategies can support a healthier pregnancy and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes for both you and your baby.

Kidney disease: Kidney problems during pregnancy can also increase the chance of preterm birth. Doctors check kidney function through urine tests that look for proteins; finding proteins in the urine can indicate that the kidneys are not filtering properly.

High blood pressure: This condition needs careful monitoring, as it can lead to serious issues like pre-eclampsia⍰ during pregnancy.

Certain genetic – meaning inherited – factors related to you and your baby are connected to the risk of preterm delivery. These factors include your own genes, which may affect your likelihood of having traits that could influence the outcome of your pregnancy. You can manage the risk from genetic factors by going to see your healthcare provider regularly.

Mothers who have had a preterm birth before are much more likely to have another preterm delivery than average. This is the biggest risk factor for having another preterm baby. 

Certain issues with the uterus⍰ and cervix⍰ can raise the risk of preterm birth. For example, a short cervix may lead to early labour because it can soften and shorten during pregnancy, potentially opening too soon. Cervical incompetence, where the cervix weakens and starts to open and thin out too early, can also cause preterm birth. In some cases, women with this condition may need a procedure called cerclage, which involves stitching the cervix closed temporarily.

Additionally, problems with the uterus can increase the risk of preterm labour⍰. This happens because such abnormalities can limit the baby’s growth and cause the uterus to stretch too early.

Placental abruption: This happens when the placenta⍰ separates from the uterus⍰ too early, often causing bleeding later in pregnancy. In serious cases, it can lead to problems for both the baby and mother. Risk factors include injuries to the uterus, multiple pregnancies, smoking, and high blood pressure⍰.

Placental accreta: Placenta accreta is a serious condition where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall⍰, which can cause heavy bleeding after birth. Sometimes, the placenta can even grow into the uterine muscles or nearby organs, making it hard to detach after delivery.

Placental insufficiency: This condition occurs when the placenta does not provide enough nutrients to the baby, possibly leading to low birth weight and development issues. It can also cause stress for the baby and may require an early delivery. Risk factors include diabetes⍰, high blood pressure, and drug use. Regular ultrasounds⍰ help monitor the baby’s growth.

Placenta previa: Placenta previa happens when the placenta attaches near or over the cervix⍰, increasing the risk of bleeding during pregnancy. It can slow the baby's growth and lead to early delivery, usually by C-section. Women who have had placenta previa before are more likely to have early births in the future.

Infections in the uterus⍰, like urinary tract infections⍰ or bacterial vaginosis⍰, can cause health problems. It is important to tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you have a urinary tract infection to reduce this risk.

Good oral hygiene is important to prevent gum infections. Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause problems during pregnancy. Serious infections during mid to late pregnancy may sometimes lead to early labour, therefore it is very important to reach out to your healthcare provide in case you notice any signs.

Simple steps you can take:
 

• Wash and cook foods properly to avoid the risk of food poisoning (especially meat, chicken, fish and eggs)
• Wash your hands properly and often to keep up a good hand hygiene
• Brush and floss your teeth. Keep your dental appointments to help prevent infected gums