If your pēpi is born preterm, then there is a higher chance that future pregnancies could also be affected by preterm birth. The chance of this happening will depend on why pēpi was born preterm, how early the preterm birth was and whether it has happened in other pregnancies.

For example:

• If you have had one pēpi born at 30 weeks after spontaneous preterm birth, your chance of preterm labour in a future pregnancy is about 25%. However, if that one spontaneous preterm birth was at 36 weeks, your chance of another preterm labour may only be about 10%.
• If you have had one pēpi, born at 26 weeks because of preeclampsia (provider-initiated preterm birth), your chance of preterm birth in a future pregnancy is about 25%, but will usually be at a later gestation than this one.
• If you have had three preterm pēpi, both after spontaneous preterm birth between 28 weeks and 37 weeks, your chance of preterm labour in a future pregnancy is about 35%.

Your midwives and doctors should talk to you about your specific situation before you leave the hospital. In some cases, there are treatments that will be recommended to reduce the chance of your pēpi being born preterm in a future pregnancy like a cerclage/stitch around your cervix or aspirin therapy.

What can I do now to reduce the chance of a preterm birth in the future?

• Be smokefree and have a smokefree home
• Wait at least six months before becoming pregnant again. Your midwife or GP can give contraceptive advice
• Stay/get fit, aim to have a normal BMI
• Keep/get good control of medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Your GP can help with this
• Be tested for sexually transmitted infections if you have symptoms or concerns. If the results show a sexually transmitted infection, you and your partner should be treated and retested before trying for a pregnancy
• For those at highest risk of spontaneous preterm birth (for example, more than one spontaneous birth less than 30 weeks, or a spontaneous preterm birth despite having a cerclage/stitch around your cervix) you may be referred to your local Preterm Birth Clinic or Preterm Birth Advisor for consideration of pre-pregnancy treatment including a transabdominal cervical cerclage/stitch.

What can I do once I am pregnant to reduce the chance of a preterm birth?

Once you are pregnant there are several ways to help prevent spontaneous and provider-initiated preterm birth. These are particularly important if you have had a preterm birth before.