Premature birth (before 37 weeks) is the leading cause of death in children under five
globally. While not all cases are preventable, adopting key health and lifestyle strategies,
emphasized by specialists like Dr. Shelly Singh, can significantly lower the risk.

2. Prioritize Prenatal Care—Preterm Birth Care

• Early & Regular Visits: Begin prenatal care as soon as possible. Early detection
  allows specialists to identify risk factors like a short cervix or infection.
• Progesterone Therapy: If you have a high risk or a history of preterm birth, your
  doctor may prescribe progesterone (injections or suppositories), which has been
  shown to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Infection Screening: Regularly screen and treat infections (like UTIs or bacterial
  vaginosis), as they can often trigger preterm labor.

3. Essential Lifestyle Modifications

• No Smoking or Alcohol: Quit all smoking (including vaping) and avoid alcohol
  entirely. Smoking significantly elevates the risk.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as dehydration can sometimes stimulate
  uterine contractions.
• Manage Stress: Use techniques like yoga or meditation to manage chronic, severe
  stress.
• Modify Activity: Avoid jobs that require prolonged standing or excessive physical
  strain, or discuss modifications with your doctor.

Conclusion: Key Tests and Diagnostics

While lifestyle changes are crucial, specialized testing is the most effective way for doctors to
diagnose and manage a mother’s individual risk of preterm birth. Specialists like Dr. Shelly
Singh sometimes uses a combination of these clinical tools to guide treatment:

1. Cervical Length Monitoring

• Test: Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVU).
• Purpose: Measures the length of the cervix between 16 and 24 weeks. A measurement less than 25 mm is a significant predictor of spontaneous preterm birth.
• Action: If a short cervix is detected, treatments like progesterone therapy or a cervical cerclage (a stitch placed to keep the cervix closed) may be initiated immediately.

2. Fetal Fibronectin (fFN) Test

• Test: Fetal Fibronectin Test.
• Purpose: Detects the presence of fFN protein between 22 and 34 weeks if preterm
  Labor symptoms are present.
• Interpretation: A negative result strongly indicates that the mother is unlikely to
  deliver within the next one to two weeks, which can safely prevent unnecessary
  hospitalization. A positive result prompts closer monitoring.

3. Infection Screening & Treatment

• Tests: Urine culture and screening for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or other
  vaginal/cervical infections.
• Purpose: Infections, even asymptomatic ones, can trigger the inflammatory cascade
  that leads to premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor.
• Action: Aggressive and immediate antibiotic treatment is crucial once an infection is
  diagnosed, as clearing the infection can stop the progression to preterm delivery.
  Final Word
  By combining proactive health management with timely diagnostic testing, such as those
  recommended by experts like Dr. Shelly Singh, new mothers and their doctors can effectively
  identify risks early, implement targeted interventions, and significantly improve the odds of
  carrying their baby to full term. Don’t wait—early testing is the best defense against
  prematurity.

Looking for the Best Gynecologist in Delhi NCR? Contact Dr. Shelly Singh today!!!