You may be referred to a perinatologist, an obstetrician who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. By planning ahead, you're giving your future child the best chance for a healthful head start. The risks of preterm labor Babies born too early face serious health risks. This can result in chronic health problems and, in some cases, death. It's not known what causes preterm labor.
Several theories exist.
Regardless, health experts make every effort to keep a developing baby inside its mother's womb until full-term. Doctors and health care professionals pay special attention to those women who are at the greatest risk for preterm labor, and devise strategies to prolong pregnancy and prevent premature labor and delivery. Women who educate themselves about preterm labor and follow the advice of their doctor or health care professional may lower their risk for premature labor. But there are no guarantees. For many women, premature labor can occur even without risk factors, which makes it difficult to predict and prevent.