Importance of Antenatal Care to Lower Preterm Labor and Birth Risk
Preterm birth remains one of the leading causes of neonatal complications and infant mortality worldwide. While not all cases of preterm labor result in early delivery, babies born before 37 weeks, especially before 32 weeks, face higher health risks.
A BMC study in Australia found better neonatal outcomes in privately insured women versus those with public coverage. Though based in Australia, the findings suggest private pregnancy insurance may improve preterm infant survival and recovery in the NICU.
With this in mind, this Pacific Prime Dubai article explores how maternity health insurance plays a vital role in improving neonatal outcomes, easing financial burdens, and ensuring peace of mind during uncertain moments for expectant parents.
Preterm Labor vs Preterm Birth
According to the WHO, every year, an estimated 13.4 million babies are born preterm worldwide, with most cases occurring in third-world countries. However, despite Dubai’s excellent healthcare facilities and obligatory maternity and newborn health insurance regulations, preterm births are also an issue here.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), approximately 10% of all deliveries are preterm births. This indicates that, despite Dubai’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and mandatory maternity and newborn health insurance regulations, preterm births remain a significant concern.
Preterm labor refers to regular uterine contractions causing cervical changes—effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening)—that begin before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These changes can lead to the baby entering the birth canal too early and may result in premature birth.
Women experiencing preterm labor don’t necessarily have to have a preterm birth. Only about 1 in 10 women with preterm labor will give birth within the next 7 days. For about 3 in 10 women, preterm labor stops on its own.
Preterm Labor Causes
Preterm labor and preterm birth occur for a variety of reasons, and while it often happens without a single reason, there are common risk factors which include:
- Having a previous preterm birth
- Having a short cervix
- Short time between pregnancies
- History of certain types of surgery on the uterus or cervix
- Certain pregnancy complications, such as multiple pregnancy and vaginal bleeding
- Infections and chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Lifestyle factors such as low prepregnancy weight, smoking during pregnancy, and substance abuse during pregnancy
What Are the Signs of Preterm Labor?
Most common signs and symptoms of preterm labor include:
- Regular or frequent sensations of abdominal tightening (contractions)
- Constant low, dull backache
- A sensation of pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
- Mild abdominal cramps
- Vaginal spotting or light bleeding
- Preterm rupture of membranes — in a gush or a continuous trickle of fluid after the membrane around the baby breaks or tears
- A change in the type of vaginal discharge — watery, mucus-like or bloody
How to Check for Preterm Labor?
A pregnant woman experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact her healthcare provider. An obstetrician or other healthcare professional may perform certain exams and tests to determine if a woman is having preterm labor. The most common ways to check for preterm labor include:
Pelvic exam. The doctor might evaluate the firmness and tenderness of the uterus and the baby’s size and position. If the woman’s water hasn’t broken and there’s no concern that the placenta is covering the cervix (placenta previa), the doctor might also do a pelvic exam to determine whether the cervix has begun to open.
Ultrasound. A transvaginal ultrasound might be used to measure the length of the cervix, as well as to check for problems with the baby or placenta, confirm the baby’s position, assess the volume of amniotic fluid, and estimate the baby’s weight.
Uterine monitoring. The uterine monitor measures the duration and spacing of the contractions.
Lab tests. The level of a protein called fetal fibronectin in the vaginal discharge may be measured. The presence of this protein is linked to preterm birth. A urine sample might also be tested for the presence of certain bacteria.
Depending on test results, doctors may prescribe medications like corticosteroids, given as injections, to speed up your baby’s lung development. Magnesium sulfate may be used to lower the risk of cerebral palsy for babies expected to be born before 32 weeks of gestation.
Tocolytics may be given to temporarily stop contractions, allowing time for other treatments to take effect. In certain cases where medication isn’t enough, a doctor might suggest surgical options to help manage or delay preterm labor and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
Antenatal Care During Pregnancy
Antenatal care is always included in maternity insurance plans in Dubai, however, the benefit limits vary. Normal antenatal care includes approximately 8-10 antenatal appointments with the Ob-Gyn or midwife, and it covers all the standard tests and screenings necessary for every pregnancy.
However, in case a woman has premature labor symptoms, a series of additional tests and medications is needed, which all add up in costs, and quite often, can exceed the basic maternity benefit limits. Hence, obtaining a comprehensive plan is advisable, especially in Dubai.
If a baby is born prematurely, NICU care may be needed. In Dubai, NICU costs range from AED 2,000 to 4,000 (about US $ 545 to 1,090) per day, with total bills sometimes exceeding AED 300,000 (about US$82,000). This highlights the importance of having adequate newborn health insurance coverage.
Parents should look for newborn insurance with unconditional acceptance, covering the baby regardless of health at birth. While adding a child to your family insurance plan in Dubai raises premiums, it protects against future exclusions and ensures access to necessary care.
Structure Your Maternity Plan with Pacific Prime Dubai
Starting a family is an exciting journey, but it also comes with important considerations around maternity and newborn care. With healthcare costs continuing to rise, securing the right maternity insurance coverage is essential for protecting both mother and baby.
Pacific Prime Dubai offers expert guidance to help you navigate the complexities of Dubai’s health insurance market. Whether you want to understand plan costs, coverage options, or compare policies from leading providers like Cigna Dubai and Allianz Dubai, our experienced advisors are here to support you.
With over 25 years of experience in international health insurance, we tailor solutions that fit your family’s unique needs and budget. Contact us today for personalized advice or get a free quote using our cutting-edge online tool and ensure your family is covered with confidence.
When she isn’t writing, you are most likely to find Elwira in search of the perfect plant-based burger or enjoying Hong Kong’s great outdoors either at the beach or from the boat - the closer to the sea, the better!
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