Is it normal to deliver early

However, because many babies born at 37 weeks experienced complications, they changed their guidelines. Now, the recommended time for a baby to stay inside the womb is at least 39 weeks unless medically indicated.

Some infants born in the late preterm period are physiologically and developmentally immature when compared to full-term infants and are at higher risks of sickness and death. Risk of infant death or sickness decreases significantly with each passing week of gestation. Understanding which babies are most at risk for sickness and death can help healthcare providers prepare for possible complications.

In comparison, the mortality rate for babies born weeks was Babies born at 36 weeks are more at risk for developmental problems, both physically and mentally, when compared to their full-term counterparts. Babies born at 36 weeks gestation are at a higher risk than babies born at term for the following:.

According to research posted to the American Journal of Perinatology , late preterm children of preschool age were less able to follow directions and perform memory tasks when compared to their peers born at full-term. Another study revealed that late preterm infants showed reduced developmental outcomes at 9 months of age when compared to full-term infants.

However, these differences were not apparent at 2 years old but reemerged in kindergarten children concerning preschool reading, preschool math, and kindergarten reading. Being aware of these complications can help parents, teachers, and healthcare providers target surveillance and early intervention. Although babies born at 36 weeks are generally healthy and are at lower risk for health complications than babies who are born earlier than this, they may still experience some health issues.

Sometimes, it is difficult to identify whether the complication is due to early birth itself or a medical reason that triggered the early delivery. As a result of these complications, babies may need to be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit NICU or readmitted to the hospital after going home.

You'll be asked to push one more time to deliver the placenta. You might be given medication before or after the placenta is delivered to encourage uterine contractions and minimize bleeding. Your health care provider will examine the placenta to make sure it's intact. Any remaining fragments must be removed from the uterus to prevent bleeding and infection. If you're interested, ask to see the placenta. After you deliver the placenta, your uterus will continue to contract to help it return to its normal size.

Your health care provider will also determine whether you need stitches or repair of any tears of your vaginal region. If you don't have anesthesia, you'll receive an injection of local anesthetic in the area to be stitched. Savor this special time with your baby. Your preparation, pain and effort have paid off. Revel in the miracle of birth. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Labor and delivery, postpartum care. Products and services. Stages of labor and birth: Baby, it's time! By Mayo Clinic Staff. Open pop-up dialog box Cervical effacement and dilation Close.

Cervical effacement and dilation During the first stage of labor, the cervix opens dilates and thins out effaces to allow the baby to move into the birth canal.

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Please try again. Additionally, people who are at increased risk of severe illness, including pregnant people, should reduce contact with people who do not live with you. COVID has challenged pregnant people in a way most have not experienced before.

Call the Emotional Support Helpline seven days a week at from 8 a. Near the end of your pregnancy you may be uncomfortable or anxious to see your baby. But remember -- you want to be sure you deliver a full term baby, if possible. Babies born before 39 weeks have a greater chance of breathing problems, low blood sugar and other problems that may result in being admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit NICU.

As this happens, the opening gets bigger, or dilates. If your body is not ready, your delivery is less likely to go smoothly. For example, you are at increased risk of having a C-section, especially if you are giving birth for the first time.

And your baby may be more likely to need intensive care after delivery. Even when the cervix shows signs of being ready, there are reasons to allow labor to happen on its own. Natural labor is usually easier and shorter than induced labor. And you can usually spend the early part of your labor at home, moving around and staying as comfortable as you can. By contrast, an induced labor takes place in the hospital.