How to prevent premature labor?

Premature labor is when babies are born 37 weeks before their due date of pregnancy. In such cases, though the risk for mother is less, the risk for the baby is significant. Though premature labor could happen to any women, the possibilities are high for women who smoke, women who are underweight amongst others.

Premature labor is an extremely serious complication of pregnancy. Premature labor strikes quickly but silently in many women during their pregnancy. Sadly, many women do not understand the signs of premature labor. Early detection generally helps prevent premature birth and possibly enabling you to carry your pregnancy to term or to give your baby a better chance of survival.

Prevention

There is no 100% sure method of avoiding premature labor; however, there are some basics that you need to be aware of:

Vaginal Infections: Infections such as yeast, bacterial vaginosis, etc. can all cause premature labor. Having any of these symptoms of vaginal infections checked out and treated, if necessary, helps diminish the risk of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) as well as premature contractions.

Fluid Levels: Staying well hydrated may also help prevent premature contractions; this is especially true during summer months. When you become dehydrated the concentration of oxytocin may increase in blood thus causing contractions. Remember, thirst is not the first and only sign of dehydration.

Keeping your prenatal appointments: Sometimes what you may think of as a normal pregnancy symptom could actually be an indicator of premature labor. Regularly attending your prenatal appointments helps your doctor or midwife screen you for any risk of preterm labor and treat it at the earliest possible if you do develop signs of premature labor.

Also remember to:

  • Stop smoking

  • Avoid excessive stress

  • Keep fit and healthy

Signs of Premature Labor

You need to report to your practitioner if you have any of the following:

  • More than 5 Contractions or cramps in an hour
  • Bright red blood from your vagina
  • Swelling or puffiness on the face or hands, that is a sign of preeclampsia
  • Pain during urination, a sign of possible urinary tract, bladder or kidney infection
  • Sharp or prolonged pain in the stomach (preeclampsia signs)
  • Acute or continuous vomiting (preeclampsia signs)
  • Sudden gush of clear, watery fluid from vagina
  • Low, dull backache
  • Intense pelvic pressure

Management of Premature Labor

Following are some of the things that you may deal with when in premature labor -

  • Hydration (Oral or IV)
  • Bed rest (Home or Hospital), usually left side lying
  • Medications for stopping labor (Magnesium sulfate, terbutaline, brethine, etc.)
  • Medication to help prevent infection (Mainly if your membranes have ruptured or if contractions are caused by infection)
  • Evaluation of your baby (Biophysical profile (BPP), amniotic fluid volume index (AFI), non-stress (NST) or stress tests, ultrasound, etc.)
  • Medications to help your baby's lung develop quickly (generally if premature birth in inevitable)
  • Preparation for premature birth

Always the best outcomes are prevention and early detection. Make sure that your doctor or health provider discusses the signs and symptoms of premature labor with you as well as your partner at every visit.

       
eXTReMe Tracker