Preterm Labor
Preterm Labor (Preterm Birth): What It Is, Symptoms And Precautions
What is preterm birth? Premature birth is when a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. This means that the baby’s internal organs are born before they are fully mature, which can lead to health problems.
Risk Factors
– Previous history of preterm birth
– Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
– Short time between pregnancies
– Mothers younger than 17 or older than 35
– Certain health problems (high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, etc.)
– Poor diet, smoking and substance abuse
Symptoms
– Abdominal tightening or frequent uterine contractions
– Low back pain
– Increased pelvic pressure
– Vaginal bleeding or change in discharge
– Water breaking (leakage of amniotic fluid)
– Painful contractions in the uterus
Diagnosis and Tests
- Monitoring uterine contractions: To see if the labor process has started.
- Vaginal Ultrasound: To measure the length of the cervix (cervix).
- Amniotic Fluid Test: To check for infection.
Treatment and management
- Rest: To reduce pressure in the uterus.
- Medicines: To slow down and stop the contractions.
- Steroid medicines: To speed up the maturation of the baby’s lungs.
- Delivery: If the mother’s or baby’s health is in danger, the doctor may choose premature delivery.
After Birth
– Babies born prematurely often have problems with breathing, feeding and temperature regulation.
– These babies may require an intensive care unit (ICU).
Important Notes
– If you notice signs of preterm labor, contact your doctor immediately.
– Follow your doctor’s advice and attend regular check-ups to prevent preterm labor.
Note: This article is intended to provide general information. Every individual’s health condition is different, so you should always contact your doctor before taking any recommended measures.