What is preterm labor?
Get informed on the causes and possible signs of preterm labor. Learn how to protect yourself and your baby against an early delivery.
Preterm labor is a serious issue that can have long-term consequences for both the baby and the family. Preterm labor occurs when the uterus tightens and the cervix thins and opens, allowing the baby to enter the birth canal before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
This is defined as preterm birth, which is the most common cause of infant death and can lead to long-term disabilities such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, vision problems, and hearing loss. Late-preterm infants are more likely to die in their first year than full-term infants, even though they have better health outcomes overall.
The emotional and economic toll of preterm labor on families can be immense. Not only must parents cope with the fear of losing their child or having them suffer from long-term disabilities, but they also face financial strain due to medical bills and lost wages from taking time off work to care for their child.
It’s important for families facing preterm labor to seek support from their healthcare provider, family, and friends.
What causes preterm labor?
Preterm labor is a serious condition that can cause a baby to be born too early. It occurs when the uterus begins to contract and the cervix opens before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm labor can lead to complications for both mother and baby, including an increased risk of infection, breathing problems, and developmental delays.
There are several possible causes of preterm labor, including having a history of preterm labor, carrying multiple babies, uterine or cervical problems, vaginal bleeding from inside the uterus, maternal or fetal stress, infection or inflammation, emotional responses to an unplanned pregnancy, postpartum hair loss, and difficulty breastfeeding.
Women who are at risk for preterm labor should seek medical help as soon as possible. Resources for pregnant women are available through Intermountain Health Care and the University of Utah Hospital.
With proper care and monitoring during pregnancy, it is possible to reduce the risk of preterm labor and ensure a healthy delivery.
Who is at risk for preterm labor?
Preterm labor is a serious health concern for pregnant women, and there are several factors that can increase the risk of preterm labor.
Women who smoke, are under 20 or over 35 years old, have long-term illnesses, use illegal drugs, have an abnormally shaped uterus, cervix not able to stay closed, stress, have a preterm birth in the past, are African American, placenta that separates from the uterus early, placenta in an abnormal position or does not work as well as it should, early breaking of sac around the baby (premature rupture of membranes), birth defects in the baby and problems with fetal growth are all at higher risk for preterm labor. Having more than one baby in the womb also increases the risk of preterm labor.
Stress can be a factor as well as decidual hemorrhage and mechanical factors such as uterine distortion. Cervical inflammation and maternal inflammation/fever due to hormonal changes may also contribute to pre term labor.
What are the symptoms of preterm labor?
Preterm labor is a serious condition that can lead to premature birth.
It occurs when the uterus begins to contract and the cervix starts to thin and open before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms of preterm labor include tightening of the uterus, menstrual-type cramps, pressure in the lower belly, backache, diarrhea, change in vaginal discharge, and gush of fluid from the vagina.
If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to contact a healthcare provider immediately for diagnosis.
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor so that you can seek medical attention as soon as possible if they occur.
Preterm labor contractions lead to changes in the cervix such as thinning and opening. Other signs may include abdominal cramps, changes in vaginal discharge, pelvic or lower abdominal pressure, backache, and regular or frequent contractions.
If you experience any signs or symptoms of preterm labor it is important to contact your doctor right away or go to the hospital.
How is preterm labor diagnosed?
Preterm labor is labor that starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. It occurs when the uterus regularly tightens and the cervix thins and opens, allowing the baby to enter the birth canal.
Diagnosing preterm labor can be difficult as it may not always present with obvious signs or symptoms. However, there are several tests and procedures that can help diagnose preterm labor.
The most common way to diagnose preterm labor is by monitoring contractions and the baby’s heart rate. Cervical exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, testing for amniotic fluid, and testing for fetal fibronectin (fFN) may also be used to diagnose preterm labor.
A swab of cervical or vaginal fluid is checked for fFN which may be a sign of preterm labor. If any of these tests indicate that a woman is in preterm labor, she will likely need to be admitted to the hospital for further monitoring and treatment.
What are possible complications of preterm labor?
Preterm labor is a serious condition that can lead to preterm birth, which can have long-term health complications for the baby. Preterm babies are at risk for difficulty maintaining body temperature, breathing problems, heart and blood vessel issues, blood problems, kidney problems, digestive issues, and nervous system issues.
Common symptoms of preterm labor include tightening of the uterus, menstrual-type cramps, pressure in the lower belly, backache, diarrhea, change in vaginal discharge and a gush of fluid from the vagina. If any of these symptoms are experienced it is important to contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible for diagnosis.
Preterm babies may also be at risk for long-term health problems that can be more serious and long-lasting the earlier they are born. These health complications can include anemia, jaundice, hypoglycemia, heart defects and bleeding in the brain or seizures.
How is preterm labor treated?
Preterm labor is a serious medical condition that can lead to premature birth and a variety of health complications for the baby. Treatment of preterm labor typically involves a combination of bed rest, tocolytic medicines, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and other medications.
Bed rest is often recommended to help slow or stop contractions and reduce the risk of preterm delivery. Tocolytic medicines are used to relax the uterus and slow down contractions.
Corticosteroids may be given to help the baby’s organs mature more quickly and reduce the risk of certain complications. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection present that could lead to preterm labor.
In some cases, cervical cerclage may be done if the cervix is weak and not able to stay closed. This procedure involves stitching the cervix shut in order to prevent it from opening prematurely.
