Govinda’s Wife Sunita Ahuja Opens Up About Losing Second Child: Understanding Common Causes of Preterm Labor

A Heartbreaking Journey of Loss

Sunita spoke candidly about the tragedy. "I had given birth to my daughter prematurely when she was eight months old," she said. She described how she had a sedentary lifestyle and did not know what not to do: "I used to lift heavy things. She was born due to constant travelling and exertion, which ruptured her water bag." The baby survived for only three months, and Sunita says she was totally in turmoil.

Sunita was only 19 years old when she had to face the shock of losing a child. Recalling that difficult phase, she shared her struggle to come to terms with the loss and how it changed her approach to motherhood and life.

 

 

 

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The Reality of Preterm Labor

Preterm labour, which is labour that starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is a serious threat both for the mother and the baby. As per Dr Rahul Verma, Director, Neonatology, General Paediatrics, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, it is the cause of most neonatal complications and infant deaths worldwide. Understanding what can cause such a condition and the signs of preterm labour is important in timely intervention and good management. 

Common Causes of Preterm Labour

Labour Infections

Infections, such as intrauterine infections or bacterial vaginosis, can trigger inflammation that weakens the fetal membranes, increasing the likelihood of early labour.

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Cervical Insufficiency

A condition where the cervix dilates prematurely under the pressure of the growing fetus can lead to early labour.

Placental Disorders

Issues like placental abruption (when the placenta detaches from the uterus) or placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix) can prompt preterm contractions.

Uterine Overdistension

Factors such as carrying multiples or having too much amniotic fluid stretch the uterus to its limits, increasing the likelihood of preterm labour.

Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, substance abuse, and poor prenatal care greatly increase the risk of delivering prematurely.

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Detecting Early Onset

Identifying preterm labour early reduces the risks involved. Some early warning signs are:

• Persistent Back Pain or Pelvic Pressure: These are commonly misdiagnosed as normal discomfort during pregnancy.
• Abnormal Discharge: Unusual shifting of the discharge, especially the one containing blood, should be checked instantly.
• Mild Contractions: Regular or even light contractions that are not timely could indicate preterm labour.

Assessment and Therapeutic Measures

Medical sciences have helped evaluate and control cases of preterm labour effectively.

• Cervical Length Screening: Transvaginal ultrasounds measure the cervical shortening-the most significant predictor of a preterm birth.
• Fetal Fibronectin Test: This can detect proteins in the vaginal secretions which may indicate that a person is at risk of early labour.
• Timely Medication: Interventions like the administration of tocolytics that delay labour and corticosteroids administered to enable the development of the fetal lungs considerably improve neonatal outcomes.

Call for Awareness

Sunita's case is a reminder of the need for maternal health awareness. Lifestyle changes, stress management, and timely medical consultations can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of preterm labour.

The journey of parenthood is filled with joys and challenges. Knowing what factors affect the outcome of pregnancy can empower parents to make informed decisions and take care of their health and well-being. Sunita Ahuja's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of awareness in overcoming life's toughest hurdles.