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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffA healthy lifestyle can go a long way toward preventing preterm labor and premature birth.
- Seek regular prenatal care. Prenatal visits can help your health care provider monitor your health and your baby's health. Mention any signs or symptoms that concern you, even if they seem unimportant.
- Eat healthy foods. During pregnancy, you'll need more folic acid, calcium, iron, protein and other essential nutrients. A daily prenatal vitamin — ideally starting a few months before conception — can help fill any gaps.
- Manage chronic conditions. Remember, uncontrolled diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk of preterm labor. Work with your health care provider to keep any chronic conditions under control.
- Follow your health care provider's guidelines for activity. If you develop signs or symptoms of preterm labor, your health care provider may suggest working fewer hours or spending less time on your feet. Sometimes it makes sense to scale back other physical activities, too.
- Avoid risky substances. If you smoke, quit. Smoking may trigger preterm labor. Alcohol and recreational drugs are off-limits, too. Even over-the-counter supplements and medications deserve caution. Get your health care provider's OK before taking any medications or supplements.
- Ask your health care provider about sex. It's not a concern for women who have healthy pregnancies. But sex may be off-limits if you have certain complications, such as vaginal bleeding or problems with your cervix or placenta.
- Limit stress. Set reasonable limits — and stick to them. Set aside some quiet time every day. Ask for help when you need it.
- Take care of your teeth. Brush and floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and dental care. Some studies suggest that gum disease may be associated with preterm labor and premature birth.
If you have a history of premature birth or significant risk factors for premature birth, your health care provider may suggest weekly shots of the hormone progesterone. Although much remains to be learned about progesterone therapy, initial studies suggest that progesterone may help prevent preterm labor and premature birth in some women.
