Premature birth and low birth weights can happen for a number of reasons. If the mother is not getting the proper nutrition, obviously that can lead to problems, and sometimes, it is just genetic. Sometimes, it runs in families to have lower birth weights and premature labor. Premature labor occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and it can happen because the membranes rupture or there are other serious problems. The risk is more than doubled in African American women as compared to Caucasian women. But all in all, most cases of premature birth can be prevented with proper care of the mother.

Outside of proper nutrition, smoking can contribute to premature birth as can alcohol or drug use, hormonal imbalances stress, and other issues. Of course, hormonal imbalances are nobody’s fault. But your doctor should be monitoring that as they should your stress levels during pregnancy. Some have also found that they have a weak cervix which opens up with little pressure or stress, and most women do not know that they have one until they are having a miscarriage or premature birth.

There are other high risk groups such as those who are having multiple babies, those who are over the age of 40, and other groups. However, many have found that the right prenatal vitamins can make a significant difference. Obviously, you still have to follow a healthy diet plan to ensure the health of the baby. However, there are certain vitamins such as iron, which can surprisingly enough prevent pre term labor. Of course, iron also works to support blood and muscle cells and prevents anemia. Likewise, others such as coenzyme Q10 can prevent preeclampsia in expectant mothers, and probiotics can actually help you to prevent spontaneous miscarriages in the first trimester of pregnancy. It also helps to reduce eczema rates by 50%! And all in all, prenatal vitamins have a number of other components that can help you to ensure your baby’s health and a proper delivery.