Causes of Premature Birth
List of causes of Premature Birth
Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions
(see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Premature Birth)
that could possibly cause Premature Birth includes:
Longer list of causes of Pregnancy symptoms:
see full list of causes for Pregnancy symptoms
Premature Birth Causes: Book Excerpts
Premature Birth as a complication of other conditions:
Other conditions that might have
Premature Birth as a complication may,
potentially, be an underlying cause of Premature Birth.
Our database lists the following as having
Premature Birth as a complication of that condition:
Premature Birth as a symptom:
Conditions listing Premature Birth
as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Premature Birth.
Our database lists the following as having
Premature Birth as a symptom of that condition:
- Acrofacial dysostosis Catania form
- Acrofacial dysostosis Preis type
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
- Bartter's syndrome, antenatal type 1
- Bartters syndrome, antenatal , type 2
- Bilateral renal agenesis dominant type
- Blomstrand syndrome
- Bébé Collodion syndrome
- Campomelia Cumming type
- Caudal appendage - deafness
- Chitayat-Moore-Del Bigio syndrome
- Chromosome 10, trisomy 10pter p13
- Chromosome 9, trisomy 9q32
- Classical Potter syndrome
- Cocaine fetopathy
- Congenital chloride diarrhea
- Congenital disorder of glycosylation type 1/IIX
- Congenital vaccinia
- Corneodermatoosseous syndrome
- Cystic adenomatoid malformation of lung
- Diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis
- Diphallus - rachischisis - imperforate anus
- Dup (1) (q23-qter) and del (3)(pter-p25)
- Dup (1) (q25-qter) and del (18p)
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Esophageal Atresia and/or Tracheoesophageal Fistula
- Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula
- Female reproductive toxicity
- Fetal indomethacin syndrome
- Fibular aplasia - ectrodactyly
- Francois dyscephalic syndrome
- Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome
- Fried-Goldberg-Mundel syndrome
- Gaucher disease - perinatal lethal form
- Gms syndrome
- Harlequin type ichthyosis
- HEC syndrome
- Hepatoblastoma
- Herpes virus antenatal infection
- Herpetic embryopathy
- Ichthyosis congenita, Harlequin fetus type
- Ichthyosis congenita, harlequin type
- Ichthyosis prematurity syndrome
- Imaizumi Kuroki syndrome
- Impossible syndrome
- Infantile sialic acid storage disorder
- Intrauterine infections
- Lethal congenital contracture syndrome (LCCS)
- Lethal congenital contracture syndrome 1
- Limb transversal defect - cardiac anomaly
- Listeriosis - granulomatous infantiseptica
- Menkes Disease
- Mental retardation - unusual facies - talipes - hand anomalies
- Mental retardation, X-linked, Reish type
- Pachygyria - mental retardation - seizures
- Perinatal-lethal Gaucher disease
- Placenta conditions
- Podder-Tolmie syndrome
- Potter syndrome
- Pulmonary atresia - intact ventricular septum
- Pyknoachondrogenesis
- Pyridoxamine 5-prime-phosphate oxidase deficiency
- Renal dysplasia hepatic fibrosis dandy walker
- Renal tubular transport disorders, inborn
- Samson-Viljoen syndrome
- Sanderson-Fraser syndrome
- Schisis association
- Seghers syndrome
- Semmerkrot-Haraldsson-Weenaes syndrome
- Sequeiros-Sack syndrome
- Single upper central incisor
- Spinal dysostosis, type Anhalt
- Spondylocostal dysostosis, Dandy-Walker
- Trisomy 12 mosaicism
- Tsukuhara syndrome
- Tucker syndrome
- VACTERL with hydrocephalus, X-linked
- Van Regemorter Pierquin Vamos syndrome
- Velofacioskeletal syndrome
Medical news summaries relating to Premature Birth:
The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Premature Birth:
Cause statistics for Premature Birth:
The following are statistics from various sources about the causes of Premature Birth:
Related information on causes of Premature Birth:
As with all medical conditions,
there may be many causal factors.
Further relevant information on causes of Premature Birth may be found in:
Causes of Premature Birth: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the causes of Premature Birth.
Low birth weight:
Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
This section lists some fetal and placental causes of low birth weight as well as the associated signs and symptoms pres-ent in the neonate at birth.
Chromosomal aberrations
Abnormalities in the number, size, or configuration of chromosomes can cause low birth weight and possibly multiple congenital anomalies in a premature or SGA neonate
For example, a neonate with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) may be SGA and have prominent epicanthal folds, a flat-bridged nose, a protruding tongue, palmar simian creases, muscular hypotonia, and an umbilical hernia.
Cytomegalovirus infection
Although low birth weight in cytomegalovirus infection is usually associated with premature birth, the neonate may be SGA
Assessment at birth may reveal these classic signs: petechiae and ecchymoses, jaundice, and hepatosplenomegaly, which increases for several days. The neonate may also have a high fever, lymphadenopathy, tachypnea, and dyspnea, along with prolonged bleeding at puncture sites.
Placental dysfunction
Low birth weight and a wasted appearance occur in an SGA neonate
He may be symmetrically short or may appear relatively long for his low weight. Additional findings reflect the underlying cause. For example, if maternal hyperparathyroidism caused placental dysfunction, the neonate may exhibit muscle jerking and twitching, carpopedal spasm, ankle clonus, vomiting, tachycardia, and tachypnea.
Rubella (congenital)
Usually, the low-birth-weight neonate with this congenital rubellais born at term but is SGA
A characteristic “blueberry muffin” rash accompanies cataracts, purpuric lesions, hepatosplenomegaly, and a large anterior fontanel
Abnormal heart sounds, if present, vary with the type of associated congenital heart defect.
Varicella (congenital)
Low birth weight is accompanied by cataracts and skin vesicles.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Cesarean birth:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The most common reasons for cesarean birth are malpresentation (such as shoulder or face presentation), fetal intolerance of labor distress, cephalopelvic disproportion ([CPD] the pelvis is too small to accommodate the fetal head), certain cases of toxemia, previous cesarean birth, and inadequate progress in labor (failure of induction).
Conditions causing fetal distress that indicate a need for cesarean birth include prolapsed cord with a live fetus, fetal hypoxia, abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, unfavorable intrauterine environment (from infection), and moderate to severe Rh isoimmunization. Less common maternal conditions that may necessitate cesarean birth include complete placenta previa, abruptio placentae, placenta accreta, malignant tumors, and chronic diseases in which delivery is indicated before term.
Cesarean birth may also be necessary if induction is contraindicated or difficult or if advanced labor increases the risk of morbidity and mortality.
In the case of a previous cesarean delivery, some physicians allow a subsequent vaginal delivery if the cesarean wasn’t classic or if the original reason for the cesarean no longer exists. However, vaginal delivery risks uterine rupture if the uterus is scarred.
The rising incidence of cesarean birth coincides with recent medical and technologic advances in fetal and placental surveillance and care. In the United States, 9% to 16% of all pregnancies terminate in cesarean births, rising to 17% to 25% in perinatal centers that handle high-risk deliveries.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Premature rupture of membranes:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Although the cause of PROM is unknown, malpresentation and contracted pelvis commonly accompany the rupture. Predisposing factors may include:
❑ poor nutrition and hygiene, and lack of proper prenatal care
❑ incompetent cervix (perhaps as a result of abortions)
❑ increased intrauterine tension due to hydramnios or multiple pregnancies
❑ defects in the amniochorial membranes’ tensile strength
❑ uterine infection.
PROM occurs in nearly 10% of all pregnancies over 20 weeks’ gestation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Premature labor:
Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The possible causes of premature labor are many; they may include premature rupture of the membranes (occurs in 30% to 50% of premature labors), preeclampsia, chronic hypertensive vascular disease, hydramnios, multiple pregnancy, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, incompetent cervix, abdominal surgery, trauma, structural anomalies of the uterus, infections (such as rubella or toxoplasmosis), congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and fetal death.
Other important provocative factors include:
❑ Fetal stimulation: Genetically imprinted information tells the fetus that nutrition is inadequate and that a change in environment is required for well-being; this provokes onset of labor.
❑ Oxytocin sensitivity: Labor begins because the myometrium becomes hypersensitive to oxytocin, the hormone that normally induces uterine contractions.
❑ Myometrial oxygen deficiency: The fetus becomes increasingly proficient in obtaining oxygen, depriving the myometrium of the oxygen and energy it needs to function normally, thus making the myometrium irritable.
❑ Maternal genetics: A genetic defect in the mother shortens gestation and precipitates premature labor.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Premature ejaculation:
Causes
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Premature ejaculation may result from anxiety and is typically linked to immature sexual experiences. However, the true cause is undetermined. Other psychological factors may include anxiety or guilt regarding sexual intercourse, unconscious fears about the vagina, and negative cultural conditioning.
However, psychological factors aren’t always the cause of premature ejaculation because this disorder can occur in emotionally healthy males with stable, positive relationships. Rarely, premature ejaculation may be linked to an underlying degenerative neurologic disorder, such as multiple sclerosis, or an inflammatory process, such as posterior urethritis or prostatitis.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Low birth weight:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
This section lists some fetal and placental causes of low birth weight as well as the associated signs and symptoms present in the neonate at birth.
Chromosomal aberrations
Abnormalities in the number, size, or configuration of chromosomes can cause low birth weight and possibly multiple congenital anomalies in a premature or SGA neonate. For example, a neonate with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) may be SGA and have prominent epicanthal folds, a flat-bridged nose, a protruding tongue, palmar simian creases, muscular hypotonia, and an umbilical hernia.
Cytomegalovirus infection
Although low birth weight in this disorder is usually associated with premature birth, some neonates may be SGA. Assessment at birth may reveal these classic signs: petechiae and ecchymoses, jaundice, and hepatosplenomegaly, which increases for several days. The neonate may also have a high fever, lymphadenopathy, tachypnea, and dyspnea, along with prolonged bleeding at puncture sites.
Placental dysfunction
Low birth weight and a wasted appearance occur in an SGA neonate. The neonate may be symmetrically short or may appear relatively long for his low weight. Additional findings reflect the underlying cause. For example, if maternal hyperparathyroidism caused placental dysfunction, the neonate may exhibit muscle jerking and twitching, carpopedal spasm, ankle clonus, vomiting, tachycardia, and tachypnea.
Rubella (congenital)
Usually, the low-birth-weight neonate with this disease is born at term but is SGA. A characteristic “blueberry muffin” rash accompanies cataracts, purpuric lesions, hepatosplenomegaly, and a large anterior fontanel. Abnormal heart sounds, if present, vary with the type of associated congenital heart defect.
Toxoplasmosis (congenital)
The low-birth-weight neonate may be either premature or SGA and may have hydrocephalus or microcephalus. Associated findings include fever, seizures, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, and rash. Other defects, which may occur months or years later, include strabismus, blindness, epilepsy, and mental retardation.
Varicella (congenital)
Low birth weight is accompanied by cataracts and skin vesicles.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Premature rupture of the membranes:
Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)
Although the cause of PROM is unknown, malpresentation and contracted pelvis commonly accompany the rupture. Predisposing factors may include:
❑ poor nutrition and hygiene and lack of proper prenatal care
❑ incompetent cervix (perhaps as a result of abortions)
❑ increased intrauterine tension due to hydramnios or multiple pregnancies
❑ defects in the amniochorial membranes’ tensile strength
❑ uterine infection.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Low birth weight:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
This section lists some fetal and placental causes of low birth weight as well as the associated signs and symptoms present in the neonate at birth.
Chromosomal aberrations.Abnormalities in the number, size, or configuration of chromosomes can cause low birth weight and possibly multiple congenital anomalies in a premature or SGA neonate. For example, a neonate with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) may be SGA and have prominent epicanthal folds, a flat-bridged nose, a protruding tongue, palmar simian creases, muscular hypotonia, and an umbilical hernia.
Cytomegalovirus infection.Although low birth weight in cytomegalovirus infection is usually associated with premature birth, the neonate may be SGA. Assessment at birth may reveal these classic signs: petechiae and ecchymoses, jaundice, and hepatosplenomegaly, which increases for several days. The neonate may also have a high fever, lymphadenopathy, tachypnea, and dyspnea, along with prolonged bleeding at puncture sites.
Placental dysfunction.With placental dysfunction, low birth weight and a wasted appearance occur in an SGA neonate. He may be symmetrically short or may appear relatively long for his low weight. Additional findings reflect the underlying cause. For example, if maternal hyperparathyroidism caused placental dysfunction, the neonate may exhibit muscle jerking and twitching, carpopedal spasm, ankle clonus, vomiting, tachycardia, and tachypnea.
Rubella (congenital).Usually, the low-birth-weight neonate with congenital rubella is born at term but is SGA. A characteristic “blueberry muffin” rash accompanies cataracts, purpuric lesions, hepatosplenomegaly, and a large anterior fontanel. Abnormal heart sounds, if present, vary with the type of associated congenital heart defect.
Varicella (congenital).With congenital varicella, low birth weight is accompanied by cataracts and skin vesicles.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Premature Thelarche:
Premature Thelarche - pathophysiology
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)
- Transient increases in follicle-stimulating hormone levels causing follicular ovarian development
- Low levels of estrogen secretion by normal follicular cysts
- Increased sensitivity of breast tissue to low levels of estrogen
Premature Thelarche - etiology
Intermittent estrogen secretion by ovarian cysts or environmental sources of estrogen
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
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