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Preterm labor: Take prevention seriously
Can preterm labor be stopped?
While you're evaluating your contractions, drink 16 ounces (473 milliliters) of water or juice. If you're experiencing false labor, the fluids may suppress your contractions. In other cases, lying down — usually on your left side to improve circulation to your uterus — can halt contractions. Sometimes bed rest is recommended, although bed rest isn't a proven remedy for preventing pregnancy complications or preterm birth.
If you're admitted to the hospital, your health care provider may use a uterine monitor to measure your contractions. If your cervix is closed, your health care provider may use an ultrasound to evaluate your cervix. You may be given medication to stop the contractions.
What if the contractions continue?
Many women treated for preterm labor deliver at or near term. Often, however, advanced preterm labor can't be stopped — or an infection or other complications make an early delivery safer for mother or baby.
If you're between weeks 23 and 34, your health care provider may recommend two treatments:
- Medication to temporarily stop labor, either given orally or by injection
- An injection of potent steroids to speed your baby's lung maturity
After week 34, steroids may not be needed because your baby's lungs may be mature enough for delivery.
What can I expect during labor?
Aside from starting too early, preterm labor typically resembles normal labor. If relaxation and breathing techniques aren't enough to control the pain, ask for relief. Your health care provider may recommend narcotic analgesics, an epidural block or other options.
Pediatric experts may be on hand for the delivery to evaluate your baby and meet any special needs.
What about recovery and future pregnancies?
Preterm labor won't affect your physical recovery from childbirth. However, the common stresses after delivery may be magnified by your baby's condition. Preemies often need intensive medical care after birth, sometimes requiring lengthy hospital stays. This time will be busy and stressful. Surround yourself with supportive loved ones and friends. Accept their help in caring for your baby or older children.
After one preterm birth, you're at risk of a subsequent preterm birth. To boost the odds, work with your health care provider to manage any risk factors and respond to early warning signs.
Previous page(2 of 2)
- Preterm labor. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp087.cfm. Accessed Feb. 18, 2009.
- Preterm labor and birth. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Preterm_Labor_and_Birth.cfm. Accessed Feb. 18, 2009.
- Damus K. Prevention of preterm birth: A renewed national priority. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;20:590.
- Lockwood CJ. Overview of preterm labor and delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2009.
- Norwitz ER. Prevention of spontaneous preterm birth. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2009.
- Robinson JN, et al. Risk factors for preterm labor and delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2009.
- Simhan H, et al. Inhibition of acute preterm labor. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2009.
- Caritis S, et al. Management of pregnant women after inhibition of preterm labor. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2009.
- Pain relief during labor and delivery. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp086.cfm. Accessed Feb. 18, 2009.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 20, 2009.
