Premature labor can be a real problem, although excellent nutrition can prevent much of it. Another real problem is the current perspective on "normal" length of pregnancy. I have observed over many years that the length of pregnancy varies as much as the women. I have observed many healthy full term babies born several weeks outside the "official" due dates.
I read somewhere that one could predict a woman's normal gestation by looking at her normal menstrual cycle length. Long cycles often imply longer pregnancies, short cycles imply shorter pregnancies. Overall this theory has shown promise in my practice.. Both my children were born "prematurely." My first at 34.5 weeks by calendar had a gestational age by assessment of 36 weeks. My second was born at 35 and 4 weeks by calendar and assessed at 38.5 weeks. (A 7 lb 8 oz homebirth transport for prematurity--ha!) I have always had a personal history of very short cycles (21-26 days).
When discussing premature labor, we need to be cautious that we are not really dealing with normal shorter gestations, just as the "post-term" mom may also be normal for her longer gestation.
-Pamela Golliet LPN, IBCLC, ICCE, CD
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 33, Aug 13, 1999)
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