Preterm labor happens when contractions begin before the 37th week of pregnancy, potentially leading to early birth. It's crucial to understand the signs, causes, and what to do if you suspect it.
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Spontaneous Preterm Labor: This occurs unexpectedly without a clear cause and is a common reason for premature births.
Indicated Preterm Labor: Healthcare providers may induce labor early due to concerns about your health or your baby's, such as preeclampsia or fetal growth issues.
iPPROM (Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes): This happens when your water breaks before contractions start, which can lead to early labor.
Multiple Gestation Preterm Labor: If you're carrying twins, triplets, or more, you have a higher risk of going into labor early.
Symptoms of Preterm Labor
Recognizing the signs early can help you seek medical help promptly:
Contractions: Regular tightening of your abdomen, even if they aren't painful.
Your healthcare provider will use various tests and exams to check for preterm labor:
Symptoms Review and Medical History
Physical Exam: Including checking your cervix for changes.
Ultrasound: Measures the length of your cervix and checks your baby's health.
Lab Tests: To look for infections and fetal fibronectin levels.
Treatment Options for Preterm Labor
Treatment will depend on how far along you are and the severity of your symptoms:
Rest and Monitoring: Sometimes resting and being closely monitored are enough.
Medications: Such as tocolytics to stop contractions or corticosteroids to help your baby's lungs develop faster.
Delivery: If it's safer for you or your baby to deliver early.
Complications of Preterm Labor:
For the baby: Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk of breathing problems, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing problems, and even death.
For the mother: Preterm labor can increase the mother's risk for psychological stress and other complications in subsequent pregnancies.
Prevention and early intervention are critical when it comes to preterm labor. Pregnant women should attend all prenatal care appointments and be aware of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor to ensure early detection and management.
Dos and Don'ts for Preterm Labor
Do's: Attend all your prenatal appointments, know the signs of preterm labor, follow your healthcare provider's advice, and take care of yourself.
Don'ts: Ignore any symptoms that worry you, do strenuous activities, or take medications without talking to your healthcare provider first.
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Preterm labor can often be stopped or delayed through medical interventions. Treatment may include medications
like tocolytics to relax the uterine muscles and corticosteroids to help speed up fetal lung development. Bed
rest and hospitalization may also be recommended.
Can preterm labor be prevented?
There are precautions women can take to lower their risk of preterm labor, even if it cannot be prevented in
every instance.These include receiving regular prenatal care, avoiding smoking and illicit drugs, managing
chronic medical conditions, and promptly seeking infection treatment.
What position should I sleep in to avoid preterm labor?
Sleeping on your left side is often recommended to improve circulation and reduce pressure on your uterus,
potentially lowering the risk of preterm labor.
What is high risk for preterm labor?
Factors such as previous preterm births, multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins), infections, chronic conditions like
diabetes or high blood pressure, and certain pregnancy complications increase the risk of preterm labor.
Is preterm labor painful?
Yes, preterm labor typically involves regular and painful contractions that may be accompanied by other symptoms
like back pain, pelvic pressure, or a change in vaginal discharge.
What confirms preterm labor?
A healthcare provider can confirm preterm labor through a combination of symptoms (regular contractions, changes
in cervix), physical examination (pelvic exam), ultrasound to assess cervical length, and tests to check for
infections or fetal fibronectin levels.
