Reducing the risk of premature birth
There are a number of lifestyle and environmental factors, that may apply to you life, that increase the likelihood of premature birth. There is no evidence that continuing to work, doing exercise, or having sex whilst pregnant, increases the risk of preterm birth.
Smoking
If you smoke, you are increasing the risk of giving birth to a premature baby. We know that stopping smoking is not easy. We will support you to stop - we can refer you to specialist support services at Barnsley Hospital.
Gum disease
There is a link between gum disease and preterm birth.
Look after your teeth - ensure that you have your free check up with a dentist during pregnancy, and during the following year.
Experiencing mental health conditions or domestic abuse
The more stress that you are under, means more stress on your body - if you are experiencing high levels of stress, you are more likely to give birth prematurely.
Mental health can be complex. Domestic abuse is traumatic and it is not easy to leave a home in which you are experiencing it. These can be very difficult life challenges. There is no easy solution, but there is support and help available within the Trust, and across the Barnsley area.
Our team wants the best for you and your baby. We will do all we can to support you with challenging life experiences, during pregnancy - please speak to your midwife or doctor.