‘It happened again…’

Few things are more painful than losing a pregnancy or delivering a baby too early – especially when it happens more than once.

Many women silently carry the guilt and unanswered questions that come with miscarriage and premature birth. But one important thing needs to be said – It is not always your fault.

A premature baby is one born before 37 weeks of pregnancy and may require intensive medical care because of breathing difficulties, feeding problems, infections, and other complications.

Some factors linked to premature birth include:

* high blood pressure

* diabetes

* infections during pregnancy

* heart or kidney disease

* multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets)

* smoking, alcohol, or drug use

* poor nutrition

* problems with the placenta

Miscarriages, especially in the first trimester, are often linked to problems with the pregnancy itself, including issues with the placenta or abnormalities in the baby’s chromosomes.

Other risk factors may include:

* smoking

* alcohol use

* obesity

* trauma

* malnutrition

* advanced maternal age

If you have experienced repeated miscarriage or premature birth, please don’t never suffer in silence. Get checked out in the hospital.

When you become pregnant again:

Start antenatal care early

Attend your clinic appointments consistently

Eat nourishing meals

Discuss your medical history openly with your doctor

Early care can help give your baby the best possible chance

All the best!

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