A new drug may effectively prevent premature births

A new drug, called Makena, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration after proving it to be effective at prevention of premature births. The drug is most recommended for women who are looking to prevent a preterm birth but have experienced having at least baby already. Babies born in 37 weeks or less, three weeks or more before the typical 40 week term, are often classified as premature.

Every year in the United States, more than 10 percent of babies are born prematurely.

Risk factors for premature births include smoking, lack of prenatal care, age (either younger or older), and a history of premature births.

Women who wish to receive Makena to prevent premature births are urged to do so professionally. Proper treatment methods include hip injections by a professional starting after week 16 of pregnancy but not occurring after week 21.

The known side effects of Makena include rashes, diarrhea, and nausea for the pregnant woman.

The manufacturers of Makena, a company called Hologic, Inc., has a wide variety of medical products including imaging systems and diagnostic tools.