Preventing Preterm Birth: What Moms Need to Know

The journey to motherhood is often painted as a perfect picture, but the reality can be far more complex. For many expectant mothers, the fear of preterm birth—delivery before 37 weeks—looms large. Compounding this anxiety is the pervasive cultural pressure to be a “Supermom,” which can lead to immense guilt if pregnancy doesn’t go exactly as planned. Dr. Barbi Phelps-Sandall, an integrative OB-GYN, is working to reframe this narrative, emphasizing that while mothers can take proactive steps, many pregnancy outcomes are beyond their control.

In our high-pressure society, the expectations placed on mothers, whether they’re career professionals or stay-at-home parents, are often unrealistic. This “Supermom” mindset can be particularly damaging when facing unexpected complications like preterm labor. Dr. Phelps-Sandall points out that the desire for control clashes with the unpredictable nature of pregnancy, leading many mothers to feel guilt and self-blame when things go awry.

Debunking the “Supermom” Myth and Maternal Guilt

Dr. Phelps-Sandall stresses that it’s rare for an expectant mother to have done something wrong if complications arise. “When things go wrong, it’s totally beyond anybody’s control,” she explains. “That’s where the confusion sets in, that’s where the blame sets in.” This realization is crucial for mothers to understand that pregnancy challenges are not a reflection of their personal failings.

The pressure to have a perfectly controlled pregnancy can be especially challenging for those accustomed to meticulous planning. Dr. Phelps-Sandall notes, “Mother Nature doesn’t always fit into our plans…” This lack of control can be deeply unsettling, but reframing this experience as a natural, albeit difficult, aspect of pregnancy can help alleviate guilt.

Proactive Steps to Reduce Preterm Birth Risk

While some risk factors for preterm birth are unavoidable, Dr. Phelps-Sandall highlights several proactive measures and emerging tools that can significantly lower the risk. She is a strong advocate for making tests like the PreTRM® test a standard part of prenatal care to ensure equitable access to risk-reducing services for all expectant mothers.

“PreTRM needs to become standard of care,” Dr. Phelps-Sandall explains. “Once that is the case, another care barrier will be removed… But if doctors are unaware of the benefits PreTRM has to offer, they won’t order it. Patients can advocate for themselves, but doctors really should take the lead.” She emphasizes that acceptance of the test should not depend on income, as standardizing it can level the playing field for those at higher risk.

1. **Embrace Mind-Body Wellness:** Studies show that practicing prenatal yoga throughout pregnancy can lower the risk of preterm labor, likely due to stress reduction and relaxation.
2. **Prioritize Oral Hygiene and Vitamin D:** Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, as low-grade infections like periodontitis can have systemic effects that may trigger preterm labor. Ensuring adequate Vitamin D levels also positively impacts pregnancy outcomes.
3. **Engage in Medical Interventions and Monitoring:** For high-risk patients, interventions like vaginal progesterone can help prolong pregnancies. Increased surveillance through frequent appointments, cervical monitoring, and sometimes reduced workload are also recommended.

Shifting the Narrative: Empowerment Over Blame

Educating mothers about their bodies and symptoms of preterm labor is vital. Dr. Phelps-Sandall encourages mothers to trust their instincts and seek medical attention if they suspect something is wrong, assuring them that this is responsible behavior, not something to feel guilty about. She also advises flexibility with birth plans, recognizing that pregnancies can take unexpected turns, requiring resilience and adaptability.

The Crucial Role of Support Systems

Preterm birth, especially when it involves a NICU stay, impacts the entire family. Dr. Phelps-Sandall advocates for a holistic approach to maternal mental health that includes partners and loved ones. She stresses the need for better integration of mental health support, recommending weekly therapy sessions for high-risk mothers even before the baby arrives.

Partners and loved ones play a critical role in mitigating the mental toll on mothers. “I really think we need to include the dads in this…” she states, highlighting that high-risk pregnancies can increase the mother’s risk for mental health issues. Ensuring adequate sleep is paramount; loved ones can help by giving mothers the opportunity to rest, which can reduce symptoms of depression and combat the “Supermom” pressure.