Understanding Preterm Labor: Risks, Symptoms, and What to Expect

Premature labor is a lay term, the medical term is preterm labor. If labor starts more than three weeks before your due date, it is considered preterm. While preterm labor can lead to an early birth, doctors can often take steps to delay delivery, giving your baby more time to develop and reducing the risk of complications.

Risk Factors for Preterm Labor

Several factors can increase your risk of experiencing preterm labor, including:

• Smoking
• Being significantly overweight or underweight before pregnancy
• Being younger than 18 or older than 40
• Inadequate prenatal care
• Consuming alcohol or using illicit drugs during pregnancy
• Having certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or infections
• Carrying a baby with certain birth defects
• Conceiving through in vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Being pregnant with twins or multiples
• Having a family or personal history of premature labor
• Becoming pregnant too soon after giving birth

Recognizing the Symptoms of Preterm Labor

To prevent preterm birth, it is important to recognize the signs of early labor. Contact your midwife or doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent lower back pain that doesn't improve with changes in position or comfort measures
• Contractions occurring every 10 minutes or less
• Cramping in the lower abdomen, similar to menstrual cramps, which may be accompanied by diarrhea
• Fluid leaking from the vagina
• Flu-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (even mild cases warrant a call to your doctor)
• Increased pressure in the pelvis or vagina
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding, including light spotting

Some of these symptoms may be difficult to distinguish from normal pregnancy discomforts, but it is always best to err on the side of caution and have any potential warning signs evaluated by a medical professional.

Monitoring Contractions

Checking for contractions is an essential aspect of identifying early labor. To do so:

1. Place your fingertips on your abdomen.
2. If you feel your uterus tightening and softening, you are experiencing a contraction.
3. Time your contractions by noting the start time of each one.
4. Try to stop the contractions by getting off your feet, changing positions, relaxing, and drinking water.
5. Call your doctor or midwife if contractions are every 10 minutes or less, if symptoms worsen, or if you have severe, unrelenting pain.

Keep in mind that many women experience harmless Braxton Hicks contractions, which are usually irregular, do not increase in frequency, and subside with movement or rest. If you are unsure about the type of contractions you are experiencing, seek medical advice.

Hospital Treatment for Preterm Labor

If your healthcare provider suspects you are in preterm labor, you will likely be admitted to the hospital. Upon arrival, medical staff will:

• Review your medical history and medications
• Monitor your vital signs and your baby's heart rate and contractions
• Test for fetal fibronectin to assess the risk of early delivery
• Check for infections in your urine or cervix
• Examine your cervix for dilation

If preterm labor is confirmed, treatment may include IV fluids, medications to relax the uterus and stop labor, antibiotics, and medications to accelerate your baby's lung development. In some cases, such as when labor cannot be stopped or in the presence of certain complications, early delivery may be necessary.

Preventing Preterm Birth

While it may not always be possible to prevent preterm labor and birth, there are steps you can take to promote a healthy pregnancy:

• Strive to be in the best possible health before conceiving
• Attend regular prenatal care appointments
• Reduce stress by setting aside quiet time and asking for help when needed
• Maintain good oral hygiene, as gum disease has been linked to preterm birth
• Quit smoking
• Follow your doctor's recommendations for managing risk factors and taking precautions

In some cases, progesterone treatment may be recommended to prevent preterm birth in women with a short cervix or a history of preterm delivery.

Caring for a Preterm Baby

Approximately 1 in 10 babies born in the United States are preterm. While most catch up to their full-term peers over time, they may face challenges such as slower growth and development, as well as a higher risk of long-term health issues and learning difficulties. The earlier in gestation a baby is born, the more likely they are to experience complications.

Preterm babies may require specialized care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and close monitoring once home. Parents should watch for signs of feeding difficulties, breathing problems, jaundice, and infections, and seek prompt medical attention when necessary. With proper care and support, many preterm babies go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

For more information on premature labor and caring for a preterm baby, consult the following resources:

• March of Dimes: Premature Labor and Birth
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Preterm Labor and Birth
• KidsHealth: Caring for a Premature Baby

The Bottom Line

Recognizing early signs of labor and seeking immediate medical attention can delay delivery long enough for crucial interventions that dramatically improve newborn outcomes. The 24-48 hour window that medications provide allows time for steroids to strengthen the baby's lungs and arrange specialized care. If you're experiencing regular contractions or pelvic pressure before 37 weeks, Doctronic can help you assess symptoms and determine if immediate evaluation is needed. This information is educational only and is not a substitute for personal advice.