Babies born at 35-37 weeks generally don't require intensive care, however, only careful monitoring. These babies are a small percentage of all preemies.
Most premature labors are unexpected.
Approximately twenty percent can never be fully explained. It takes most people by surprise, and yet they are feeling guilty and wondering what they could have done to prevent it. In the overwhelming number of cases, the answer is 'nothing'. Certain pre-existing conditions can, however, increase the likelihood. Women known to have one of these higher-risk conditions, such as diabetes, should be closely monitored and told that premature birth is a possibility.