Pre-term Labor

DEFINITION: LABOR THAT BEGINS BEFORE 37 WEEKS

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

• Uterine contractions (tightening of the uterus) at regular intervals that begin before your due date (more than 6 contractions per hour).
• You have a low, dull backache that is not relieved by rest, position change or by increasing fluid intake.
• You have an increased heaviness in the lower abdomen, pelvis, back, or thighs.
• You have menstrual-type cramps.
• You leak/gush, vaginal fluid. The fluid may be thin, watery, or could be green or yellow-tinged.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE ABOVE SIGNS

• Lie down on your left side.
• Drink lots of water
• Keep your bladder empty by voiding frequently

CAUSES:

• Early rupture of the membranes ( the “water breaks”).
• Illness of the mother, including toxemia, high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Abnormal shape or size of the uterus.
• Weak cervix.
• Hormone imbalance.
• Vaginal infection that spreads to the uterus.
• Large fetus or more than one fetus.
• Abnormalities of the placenta.
• Too much amniotic fluid.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:

• Prenatal care throughout the pregnancy.
• Eliminate smoking, use of mind-altering drugs or alcohol.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Take prescribed prenatal vitamins and iron.
• Rest, decrease activity in the 3rd trimester, especially if you have had spotting or irregular contractions in the past.

TREATMENT:

• Labor can be stopped with treatment if caught early enough.
• You may be admitted to the hospital to treat the cause of the preterm labor.
• Diagnostic tests may include amniocentesis to determine lung maturity and ultrasound to determine fetal weight, growth, age and position.
• Medication to stop the labor or mature the baby’s lungs may be needed.
• Antibiotics to fight infection, if necessary.
• You may need to stay in bed once signs of premature labor begins.
• Avoid sexual activity.

HOW TO MEASURE UTERINE CONTRACTIONS:

• The length of each contraction from the start to the finish.
• The time between the start of one contraction and the start of the next contraction.

If you have any questions or concerns about your care or what to expect, please call your nurse or your doctor. Our main concern is your health and the health of your baby.