Having a Healthy Baby - Preterm Labor

What is Preterm Labor?

Premature labor, also known as preterm labor is defined as labor that begins prior to 37 weeks gestation. Infants delivered prior to 37 weeks gestations are considered premature. The earlier preterm labor occurs in the pregnancy, the more serious the complications can be to the infant. Early detection can help prevent premature birth and possibly enable you to carry your pregnancy to term or to give your baby a better chance of survival.

Signs of Preterm Labor

  • CONTRACTIONS, or cramps, that cause your stomach to tighten up every 10 minutes or more often.
  • BLEEDING from the vagina or red vaginal discharge.
  • Intense PELVIC PRESSURE or feeling like your baby is PUSHING down.
  • Low, dull BACKPAIN.
  • Sudden gush of clear, watery fluid from your vagina.

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SIGNS!!!

Risk Factors Associated with Preterm Labor and Preterm Births

About a quarter of all preterm births are intentional. Health care providers might decide to induce labor early or perform a cesarean section because a serious medical condition places either the mother or baby at risk. More commonly, preterm labor occurs spontaneously, which can occur as a result of a variety of factors. Some common caused of preterm labor are:

  • Multiple Births (ie. twins)
  • Problems with the Placenta (Placenta Previa or Placenta Abruptio)
  • Maternal Illnesses and Infections - Diabetes, Genital Tract Infections, SIckle Cell Amenia, Asthma, Hepatitis, etc.
  • Maternal Age - Under 17 or over 35 years of age
  • Substance Use During Pregnancy - Smoking, Alcohol and other drugs
  • Having a Previous Preterm Delivery
  • Being Underweight Prior to Pregnancy and/or Not Gaining Enough Weight During Pregnancy
  • Physical Trauma
  • Excessive Stress

 

Preterm birth can cause health problems or can even be fatal for the baby if it happens too early. The more mature a child is at birth, the more likely he/she is to survive and the less likely he/she is to have health problems.

Minimizing the Risk of Preterm Labor

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!

  • Get Prenatal Care as soon as you know you are pregnant and see your health care provider regularly throught the pregnancy
  • Eat Healthy
  • Get Plenty of Rest
  • Manage Your Stress

Even if you do everything right, you may still experience preterm labor. If you are concerned that you are having any of the signs of preterm labor, CONTACT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY or GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.

Getting Help Quickly is the Best Thing You Can Do For You and Your Baby!

 

For more information on Preterm Labor, visit the March of Dimes website or call the MISN Helpline 1-800- 453-4666.

 


 

  
 
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For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.