Pregnancy

Preterm Labor

Posted March 22, 2024

Preterm labor is defined as regular contractions of the uterus resulting in changes in the cervix prior to 37 weeks of gestation and typically occurs between 20 and 37 weeks. Preterm babies may need to be cared for in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for weeks and sometimes months. If a baby is born preterm, they can be born with health issues and learning disabilities that may appear later in life.

Risk Factors Include:

Previous preterm birth
Short cervix
Procedures to the cervix (laser/LEEP)
Multiple pregnancy (twins)
Lifestyle factors such as smoking during pregnancy and substance abuse during pregnancy
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Vaginal infections
Urinary tract infections

Symptoms Include:

Regular or frequent abdominal tightening
Low or constant dull backache
Pelvic pressure
Abdominal cramping with or without diarrhea
Spotting or light bleeding
Early rupture of membranes, which can be a small trickle or gush
Change in vaginal discharge

Treatment Includes:

Limited activity
Bed rest
Hospitalization
Medications to help stop the contractions
Corticosteroids may be given if it looks like you may have the baby early. This will help with lung maturity in the baby.

Things to Do for a Healthy Pregnancy:

Regular prenatal care and visits
Healthy eating
Healthy lifestyle
Be aware of symptoms of preterm labor
Follow the advice of your doctor
Call with questions or concerns

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