What causes Premature Birth?

There are many reasons why a woman would go into labor before her scheduled due date, including:

• Having previously delivered prematurely
• A ruptured amniotic sac (ruptured membranes)
• Infections of the urinary tract or cervix
• A weak cervix-prior surgical procedures
• Abnormalities in the uterus, including fibroids and malformations of the uterus
• Twins or higher number of fetuses
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs during pregnancy-especially cocaine
• Poor nutrition during pregnancy
• Too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
• Chronic diseases like:
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney disease
  • Lupus