Preventing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
There are things you can do to help prevent your baby from being born before his or her lungs are fully developed:
- Visit your healthcare provider regularly during your pregnancy
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid tobacco smoke, alcohol and illegal drugs
- Take proper care of any medical problems you may have
- Prevent infection by regular handwashing and avoiding others who have colds or the flu
If you gave birth too early in a previous pregnancy, your doctor may give you medicine to help delay delivery. If your doctor thinks your baby will be premature, you may be given injections of a medicine to help speed development of the lungs and other organs. The medicine also will reduce the chance of the baby developing respiratory distress syndrome.
