Dispelling 5 Common Myths Surrounding Preterm Birth

• Roughly one in 10 babies is born prematurely or is a preterm birth, according to current statistics.  
• Preterm birth misconceptions range from mothers not being able to bond with their children to all premature infants having developmental delays.  
• A premature birth can happen to anyone, and the causes of preterm births are widely unknown. 

Every year, millions of babies around the globe enter this world earlier than expected, their arrival marked by the challenges and uncertainties of preterm birth.

According to the World Health Organization, a baby born before 37 weeks’ gestation is considered premature or preterm, with a full-term birth being about 40 weeks’ gestation. Current statistics show that about one in every 10 babies is born prematurely, and the more prematurely a baby is born, the more significant number of obstacles they will face in their newborn journey. For parents, going into preterm labor can create a lot of uncertainty and fear. There are many myths surrounding the topic of preterm births, so let’s debunk some of those myths together.

Myth #1: You Cannot Bond With Your Baby

This could not be further from the truth! You will certainly be able to bond with your baby. The bonding will occur in a different setting than you probably imagined, but there are multiple ways to connect with your baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Parents that are part of the NICU are very skilled at finding ways to bond with their babies. Take part in skin-to-skin or kangaroo care. Be present and participate in care times. This may look like changing their diaper, taking their temperature, bathing, or feeding them. Your baby knows your voice, so reading, singing, and talking to them is a great way to form an attachment. 

Myth #2: Mothers of Premature Babies Could Have Avoided Preterm Birth 

Parents feel a tremendous amount of guilt when it comes to their preterm delivery. Moms feel like failures and blame themselves for not protecting their little ones. The fact is, prematurity can happen to anyone, even when you “do everything right.” Two out of three preterm births have no known biological explanation. The causes of preterm births are not always known, and most of the time, preterm births happen spontaneously. Researchers do know that certain factors put some mothers at higher risk for preterm birth than others, and providers can input measures to delay the onset of preterm birth. Still, it does not entirely prevent this from happening. Chances are you did nothing to cause your premature delivery, and it can happen to anyone.  

Myth #3: All Premature Infants Will Have Developmental Delays

Yes, babies born prematurely are at risk for developmental delays. The earlier babies are born, the higher their risk of developmental problems, but most premature infants usually develop. While in the NICU, teams of physical, occupational, and speech therapists will continually work with your preemie to encourage positive development. Avoid comparing your preemie’s growth to a term newborn’s because they will not align. Knowing your baby’s corrected age might alleviate any concerns you may have regarding your baby’s development.  

Myth #4: Premature Babies Cannot Breastfeed 

Premature babies can indeed breastfeed; it may take extra support and learning time. Premature babies need to learn feeding reflexes, such as how to suck, swallow, and breathe simultaneously and how to latch correctly. Speech therapists and lactation consultants will help with this. Breast milk is essential for premature babies because of the nutrients and antibodies it provides that protect their gut from infections.  

Myth #5: Your Journey Ends When you Leave the NICU

Leaving the NICU with your graduate is a huge milestone, but that does not mean your journey is over. Having a preemie and enduring a NICU stay can be traumatic and leave lasting physical and emotional challenges for everyone involved. The stress of the NICU may go away, but the trauma may last because of continued health problems and the future of unknowns. Many parents, about 70%, report feelings of anxiety, depression, and PTSD following a NICU stay and premature birth experience. Families need to find support during and after their NICU stay to take care of their mental health.  

The Bottom Line

A premature birth can happen to anyone, and the causes of preterm births are widely unknown. Your preemie will receive the best care and support in the NICU to encourage proper development in all aspects of life. Parents need to be involved in their baby’s care. Breastfeed as much as possible with the appropriate support you need to overcome this difficult task. You will get through this challenging experience with support, time, patience, and persistence.  

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