About this topic
A term pregnancy most often lasts about 40 weeks. Preterm labor happens when you go into labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy. A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is called premature. Babies who are born early are more likely to have problems right after birth. Preterm babies are also more likely to have health problems throughout their life than babies who are not born early. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- If your doctor orders drugs, take only as directed. Do not change how much you take or when you take the drugs. Do not stop taking the drugs unless your doctor tells you to.
- Follow your doctors orders about how much activity you can do. You may be told to get extra rest or to stay in bed all the time.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop or slow contractions
- Help your babys lungs and brain develop before birth
Will physical activity be limited?
- Rest as much as you can. Lie on your left side to help with circulation to your womb.
- Some women have more contractions when active. Ask your doctor what kinds of activities and how much activity you should do.
- Tell your doctor if you have a job and need to be on your feet for long periods of time.
- Talk with your doctor about when you can have sex.
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat a healthy diet. Drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid each day, especially water. Stay away from coffee and soda. Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while you are pregnant. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
You may be able to prevent preterm labor by knowing the signs and doing the following things: ‚
- Get health care before and during your pregnancy.
- Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Do not use illegal drugs.
- Check with your doctor before taking any drugs.
- Rest as much as you can.
- Try to avoid stress or finds ways to cope with your stress.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Contractions every 10 minutes or more often
- Low, dull back pain that does not go away
- Pressure in your pelvis that feels like your baby is pushing down
- Watery or bloody fluid leaking from your vagina
- Cramps in your lower belly that come and go or are constant
- Change in your babys movement
- Fever of 100.4 or higher
Helpful tips
Ask your doctor: ‚
- How do I know if I am having contractions?
- How can I tell if my contractions are normal or not normal?
- Do I need to change my diet?
- How much activity can I have each day?
- When should I follow up?
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have contractions, back pain, bleeding, or leaking of fluid from my vagina or changes in my babys movement.
Where can I learn more?
March of Dimes ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/preterm_indepth.html ‚
National Institute of Child Health & Human Development ‚
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/Pages/default.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚