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 can make this more likely to happen?
Some health problems can raise your risk for going into labor early. So can how a person lives. ‚
Health Problems ‚
- Illnesses like an infection, high blood sugar, or high blood pressure
- Having had a baby early in the past
- Being pregnant with more than one baby at a time
- Problems with your womb or cervix
- Weighing too much or too little during pregnancy
Lifestyle Risks ‚
- Smoking
- Drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
- Using illegal drugs
- Late or no care before the baby is born
- Stress
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
What are the main signs?
- Cramping in lower belly
- Low, dull back pain
- Pressure in pelvic area
- Watery fluid or bloody vaginal discharge
- Tightening of your belly (contractions) every 10 minutes or more often
- Flu-like signs such as upset stomach, throwing up, or loose stools
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There are many treatments for preterm labor. Your doctor will decide on the best care for you and your baby. Treatment will be based on how far along you are, what is causing your labor, and how healthy you and your baby are. You may be given drugs or put on bedrest. Sometimes, your baby will be born early. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop or slow the contractions
- Help your babys lungs and brain develop before birth
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
You may be able to prevent preterm labor by knowing the signs and doing these things: ‚
- Get health care before and during your pregnancy.
- Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Do not use illegal drugs.
- Check with your doctor before taking any drugs.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Drink lots of fluids (noncaffeine).
- Rest as much as you can.
- Try to avoid stress or finds ways to cope with your stress.
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?
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. ‚