Preterm babies (born before 37 weeks) have an increased chance of health problems and may need to stay in the hospital for longer.

Early term babies (born between 37 and 39 weeks) can have long-term behaviour and development issues, requiring extra support throughout childhood.

The final weeks of pregnancy are important for the development and maturity of your baby’s brain, lungs and immune system.

For most women, it’s best to wait for labour to start on its own, unless there are medical reasons to plan your birth earlier. This gives your baby the best possible chance of a healthy start to life.

Reduce your chance of preterm and early term birth

Early maternity care

Early maternity care is essential. Once you know you’re pregnant, aim to visit your healthcare provider within the first 10 weeks. This may be your General Practitioner (GP).

At your first appointment, your doctor or midwife will assess your health, give you important information and plan your maternity care in partnership with you.

Stop smoking and vaping

If you smoke or vape, quitting is one of the most important things you can do. Smoking, vaping and breathing second-hand smoke during pregnancy can harm your unborn baby and increase your chance of preterm and early term birth, as well as stillbirth.

Speak to your healthcare provider about ways to quit smoking and vaping.

For more information, visit Be Smoke Free, Quitline or see the following videos:

Continuity of care

There’s growing evidence that having the same healthcare team from early pregnancy, through labour and birth, and until around six weeks after birth, has significant and lasting health benefits for women, their babies and families.

This is called continuity of care.

Talk to your healthcare provider about what continuity of care options are available to you.

Mid-pregnancy scan

Your mid-pregnancy scan (which happens between 18 and 20 weeks) is a very important check for your baby’s health and development. At this appointment, the sonographer will measure the length of your cervix. A short cervix can increase the risk of your baby being born too early.   

If your cervix is short, your doctor or midwife will recommend a natural vaginal progesterone (soft capsule) to lower the chance of preterm and early term birth.

Timing of birth

For pregnancies progressing without complications, it’s usually best to give birth as close as possible to your due date.

Sometimes it’s safer for your baby to be born before your due date. This is called a planned birth. Planned births can include induction (starting labour with medication) or caesarean section (C-section).

Your midwife or doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of both options with you and support you in reaching the best decision.