Pregnancy is an exciting journey filled with dreams, anticipation, and an inevitable dose of worry. One of the most common concerns for expecting parents is whether their baby might arrive too early. Premature birth, or birth before 37 weeks of gestation, can happen to any expectant mother, even those without any apparent risk factors. In fact, the U.S. has one of the highest rates of premature births among developed countries, with 1 in 10 babies born before 37 weeks each year. For years, the risk of premature birth was largely unpredictable—especially for first-time moms with no known risk factors. But now, thanks to the PreTRM test, this uncertainty is changing.
What Is Prematurity?
Prematurity is defined as birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Full-term pregnancy typically lasts between 40 and 42 weeks, and babies born at 37 weeks or later are considered full-term. However, if a baby is born before this threshold, they are classified as premature and may face a range of health challenges due to underdeveloped organs and systems.
Premature birth affects thousands of families every year, and it can disrupt birth plans, affect family routines, and, in severe cases, lead to long-term health complications for the baby. Even healthy, low-risk mothers can deliver prematurely, which makes predicting and managing prematurity an important goal in modern obstetrics.
The Impact of Premature Birth on Families
A premature birth affects not only the baby but the entire family. Parents may experience anxiety, stress, and even trauma as they navigate the reality of caring for a baby who needs extra medical attention. A stay in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) is common for premature babies, and depending on the baby’s gestational age at birth, this stay can last days, weeks, or even months. Each day in the NICU can be emotionally and financially draining, requiring parents to balance their time between the hospital, home, work, and possibly caring for older siblings.
As Dr. Barbi Phelps-Sandall, a respected OB-GYN, points out, premature birth changes family dynamics, impacting not only parents but also grandparents, siblings, and the extended family. Families with older children might struggle to divide their attention between the new baby in the NICU and the needs of siblings at home. Holidays, birthdays, and special events may be spent at the hospital, adding further stress to the family.
What Is the PreTRM Test?
The PreTRM test is the first of its kind to offer a predictive assessment of a mother’s risk for premature birth. Developed to give healthcare providers and expectant parents critical insight into the likelihood of early labor, this test is typically conducted between the 19th and 20th week of pregnancy. The test works by analyzing the levels of two specific proteins in the mother’s blood that are linked to prematurity risk.
Once the test results are combined with other factors, such as cervical length and ultrasound findings, they provide a risk profile for the pregnancy. With this information, doctors and midwives can devise personalized care plans to reduce the likelihood of preterm birth or, if necessary, to prepare for it in a way that minimizes potential complications.
Dr. Lizellen La Follette, an OB-GYN, highlights the importance of the PreTRM test as a groundbreaking tool in maternity care, noting that it offers valuable information to those who are statistically low-risk but who might still face the possibility of an early delivery. For many first-time mothers, who account for nearly 40% of premature births, the PreTRM test provides critical information previously unavailable.
How the PreTRM Test Helps
Knowing the risk of premature birth can significantly impact how a pregnancy is managed. If the PreTRM test results suggest a high likelihood of early delivery, this information allows healthcare providers and expectant parents to take proactive steps. Here’s how the test can benefit families:
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Informed Planning with Healthcare Providers: Armed with the knowledge that a baby may come early, doctors and midwives can offer specific guidance tailored to the mother’s risk level. For instance, a healthcare provider might increase monitoring frequency, offer specialized prenatal care, or advise on lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress.
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Awareness of Warning Signs: Mothers who know their risk level are better prepared to recognize signs of preterm labor, such as low back pain, cramping, and contractions. This awareness helps ensure that any symptoms are quickly addressed, potentially delaying or preventing premature labor.
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Emotional Preparation for Parents: Premature birth can be an emotionally taxing experience. Knowing in advance allows parents time to process and prepare emotionally, discuss what might happen if their baby arrives early, and make any necessary adjustments to their birth plan.
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Making Arrangements for Childcare and Finances: A high risk of premature birth might mean that families need to plan for extended NICU stays, additional child care for siblings, and time off work. This foresight can alleviate some of the logistical pressures associated with early delivery.
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Creating a “Just in Case” Birth Plan: If the risk of premature birth is significant, parents can add specific preferences to their birth plan, such as how they’d like the NICU stay to be handled, how they’ll transport breast milk if the baby is unable to nurse directly, and what kind of family support they’ll need.
The Role of the PreTRM Test in Prenatal Care
Traditionally, obstetric care has been reactive, meaning that providers only intervene when there are obvious signs of trouble. The PreTRM test changes this by offering a predictive approach to prenatal care. With the results of the test, expectant mothers and their healthcare providers can plan for potential complications rather than waiting for signs to appear.
The predictive nature of the PreTRM test is akin to how a pap smear predicts the likelihood of cervical cancer. As Dr. Howie Mandel, an OB-GYN, explains, while the test doesn’t guarantee a premature birth, it provides a risk profile that empowers parents and doctors to prepare in advance.
If you’re interested in the PreTRM test, be aware that you may need to advocate for yourself. Because it’s a relatively new tool, not all doctors are familiar with it or convinced of its reliability. Contacting PreTRM directly can help you get more information; the company can also reach out to your doctor to explain the test’s validity and applications.
How the PreTRM Test Supports Low-Risk Women
One of the most surprising statistics around premature birth is that 50% of cases occur in mothers with no risk factors. This means that low-risk mothers, who might feel secure in the “normal” course of their pregnancy, could still face the possibility of premature delivery.
For low-risk women, the PreTRM test is particularly valuable because it can reveal unseen risks. Unlike mothers with known risk factors (such as those with a history of preterm labor or certain medical conditions), low-risk women may not receive additional monitoring or care unless they experience symptoms of early labor. The PreTRM test allows low-risk mothers to have a more proactive approach to their prenatal care.
Preparing for Premature Birth: Practical Steps to Consider
If your PreTRM test indicates a high risk of premature birth, there are several ways to prepare. These preparations can help reduce stress and ensure that you’re ready should your baby arrive early:
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Have a “Premature Birth” Plan: In addition to your regular birth plan, consider creating a contingency plan that includes specific preferences for the NICU, family roles, and necessary logistics if your baby arrives early.
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Gather Support Resources: Look into support groups for parents of preemies, speak with a lactation consultant about potential breastfeeding challenges, and explore community resources for NICU families.
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Arrange for Childcare and Pet Care: If you have other children or pets, think about how you’ll manage their care should you need to spend extended time in the hospital or NICU.
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Financial Planning: An early arrival may mean more time off work, as well as increased medical expenses. Review your insurance coverage, explore financial resources for NICU care, and consider creating a budget to accommodate unexpected expenses.
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Pack a Hospital Bag Early: Prepare your hospital bag well in advance, and include items you might need for an extended stay, such as extra clothes, personal care items, and comfort items for yourself and your partner.
Final Thoughts
The PreTRM test offers an innovative way to assess the risk of premature birth, empowering parents and healthcare providers to move from a reactive to a proactive approach. Whether you’re low-risk or have known risk factors, the ability to predict and prepare for early delivery can make a significant difference in the prenatal experience.
With the PreTRM test, families have the opportunity to approach their pregnancy with more insight, flexibility, and preparedness. If you’re interested in the test, discuss it with your OB-GYN or midwife. By taking advantage of this predictive tool, you can focus on planning for the best possible outcomes for both you and your baby.
[1] Dr Lizellen La Follette, OB-GYN, video #1 0:27 minutes, https://www.pretrm.com
[2] Dr. Barbi Phelps-Sandall, OB-GYN, video #3 0:14 minutes, https://www.pretrm.com
[3] Dr Lizellen La Follette, OB-GYN, video #1 1:43 minutes, https://www.pretrm.com
[4] Dr. Howie Mandel, OB-GYN, FACOG, video #2 1:40 minutes, https://www.pretrm.com
[5] Dr. Barbi Phelps-Sandall, OB-GYN, video #3 1:48 minutes, https://www.pretrm.com
