Preterm Labor and Birth

Preterm Labor and Birth Information

Pregnancy normally lasts 39–41 weeks. Preterm labor is when labor starts early. It starts before you have been pregnant for 37 whole weeks.

What are the risk factors for preterm labor?

Preterm labor is more likely to occur in women who:

  • Have an infection while pregnant.
  • Have a cervix that is short.
  • Have gone into preterm labor before.
  • Have had surgery on their cervix.
  • Are younger than age 17.
  • Are older than age 35.
  • Are African American.
  • Are pregnant with two or more babies.
  • Take street drugs while pregnant.
  • Smoke while pregnant.
  • Do not gain enough weight while pregnant.
  • Got pregnant right after another pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of preterm labor?

Symptoms of preterm labor include:

  • Cramps. The cramps may feel like the cramps some women get during their period. The cramps may happen with watery poop (diarrhea).
  • Pain in the belly (abdomen).
  • Pain in the lower back.
  • Regular contractions or tightening. It may feel like your belly is getting tighter.
  • Pressure in the lower belly that seems to get stronger.
  • More fluid (discharge) leaking from the vagina. The fluid may be watery or bloody.
  • Water breaking.

Why is it important to notice signs of preterm labor?

Babies who are born early may not be fully developed. They have a higher chance for:

  • Long-term heart problems.
  • Long-term lung problems.
  • Trouble controlling body systems, like breathing.
  • Bleeding in the brain.
  • A condition called cerebral palsy.
  • Learning difficulties.
  • Death.

These risks are highest for babies who are born before 34 weeks of pregnancy.

How is preterm labor treated?

Treatment depends on:

  • How long you were pregnant.
  • Your condition.
  • The health of your baby.

Treatment may involve:

  • Having a stitch (suture) placed in your cervix. When you give birth, your cervix opens so the baby can come out. The stitch keeps the cervix from opening too soon.
  • Staying at the hospital.
  • Taking or getting medicines, such as:
    • Hormone medicines.
    • Medicines to stop contractions.
    • Medicines to help the baby’s lungs develop.
    • Medicines to prevent your baby from having cerebral palsy.

What should I do if I am in preterm labor?

If you think you are going into labor too soon, call your doctor right away.

How can I prevent preterm labor?

  • Do not use any tobacco products.
    • Examples of these are cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes.
    • If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
  • Do not use street drugs.
  • Do not use any medicines unless you ask your doctor if they are safe for you.
  • Talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
  • Make sure you gain enough weight.
  • Watch for infection. If you think you might have an infection, get it checked right away.
  • If you have gone into preterm labor before, tell your doctor.
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856