Your baby can be born early for many different reasons, including multiple pregnancies, pre-eclampsia, an infection in the womb, stressful events like air travel, a bereavement, waters breaking early, or poor growth in the womb.

A premature baby is a baby born before 37 weeks gestation. In the UK, about seven per cent of births are premature. Sometimes premature births happen spontaneously but it may also be medically induced, due to complications arising in the mother or baby.

For more information, download our Why did my baby come early factsheet here.

Further advice, support and publications can be requested by phoning our Family Support Helpline on freephone 0500 618140. The line is open from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday. You can also email us at enquiries@bliss.org.uk