Risk for Preterm Labor

Smoking, overweight and underweight, not getting good prenatal care, alcohol or drug usage, and having health conditions are factors that could increase a mother's risk of preterm labor. Dr. Alberto Sirven, Medical Director of the West Kendall OB/GYN Program and Women and Infant Credentials Committee Chairman with West Kendall Baptist Hospital, explains those are risk factors that can be modified easily.

He says smoking increases the chances of underweight babies and preterm labor. He also points out alcohol has shown to cause alcohol fetal syndrome, which is a reason for multiple fetal anomalies.