About Preterm Labor and Child Birth
infants have been shown to have fewer respiratory difficulties, the major problem of preterm birth, and therefore fewer complications from being born early. The best time for the steroid is 24 hours before birth and the effect lasts for one week after it is given. Advantages of using steroids when the amniotic membranes are ruptured or leaking is less clear. Antibiotics may be helpful with rupture of membranes, and medical studies are ongoing.
Preterm newborn survival has been shown to be greatest in high risk centers with neonatal intensive care units. Transportation of the mother while still pregnant is better than transporting the tiny newborn.
Reducing your risk of preterm birth
Because preterm labor and birth are so very hard to detect and prevent, early and consistent prenatal care is very important. Reducing exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, good nutrition and weight gain, quitting cigarette smoking and alcohol or drug use can also reduce your risk. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor can help you identify changes from normal that may indicate a problem. In general, it is believed that early treatment is most beneficial.
What to look for
You might be considered more "at risk" for preterm labor or birth if you:
-Had a previous preterm labor or birth.
-Have an abnormally shaped uterus, or are a DES daughter.
-Had two or more pregnancy losses after the 13th week.
-Have an incompetent cervix or uterine fibroids.
-Are currently pregnant with twins or multiples.
-Have severe kidney or urinary tract infections.
-Have a placenta previa.
-Have too much or too little amniotic fluid.
-Any "risk" for preterm labor is best evaluated by your caregiver - physician or nurse midwife.
The following signs may occur with preterm labor. They can also be a part of a very normal pregnancy. It is important for you to recognize what may be a change from your normal pregnancy experience.
Uterine Contractions- tightening of the uterus which occurs more often than 4 times per hour. They will probably be painless. Report them to your caregiver if position changes, emptying your bladder and increasing your fluid intake do not make them less than 4 per hour within 1-2 hours. A pattern of contractions may be normal for you, and may increase a little toward the end of your pregnancy. If it is more than 3 weeks before your due date and there is a change in the contraction pattern, contact your caregiver.
Menstrual-like cramps - may be normal, but feel your
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