If a pregnant woman experiences regular contractions that result in the cervix opening between 20-37 weeks of pregnancy it is called preterm labor. It results in premature birth which can provoke different health problems for the baby. Preemies (premature babies) require special care and may experience mental and physical disabilities for long periods.
However, the exact cause of preterm labor is not known but there are some factors that could elevate the risk but it can also occur in a pregnant woman without risk factors.
Symptoms
- Mild abdominal cramps
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
- Persistent backache
- Frequent or regular abdominal contractions
- Vaginal spotting or light bleeding
- Preterm rupture of the membranes
- Vaginal discharge type change including watery, mucus-like, or bloody
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, you should see a doctor right away.
Risk Factors
Check below some risk factors usually associated with preterm labor:
- If you ever experienced preterm labor or premature birth
- Shortened cervix
- Pregnancy with twins, triplets, or more
- Uterus or placenta problems
- Smoking or using recreational drugs
- Infections (including lower genital tract and amniotic fluid infections)
- Chronic health conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune conditions, depression, and others)
- Polyhydramnios (increased amount of amniotic fluid)
- Fetal birth defect
- Mother’s age
- Black, non-Hispanic race and ethnicity
- The interval between pregnancies is less than 12 months or more than 59 months
Complications
The common complication of preterm labor is preterm baby which can lead to different health problems for the baby (such as low birth weight, trouble breathing, underdeveloped organs, and vision disorders). In addition, children born prematurely have an increased risk of developing cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues.
How to Prevent Preterm Labor?
To prevent this pregnancy usually it not possible. Check below some tips that can reduce the risk of preterm labor:
- Prenatal care – It is advised to have regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your and your baby’s health. More frequent visits to the doctor are recommended if you have a history of preterm labor.
- Adopt a healthy diet – Good nutrition is usually linked with healthy pregnancy results. As per studies, if a pregnant woman consumes high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) it reduces the risk of premature birth. Foods rich in PUFAs include fish, seed oils, seeds, and nuts.
- It is not allowed to smoke or use recreational drugs during pregnancy. If you cannot quit smoking, discuss with your healthcare professional about a smoking cessation program.
- Some research showed that pregnancies spaced less than 1 year or more than 5 years can elevate the risk of premature birth.
- Caution when using assisted reproductive technology (ART) – Discuss with your healthcare professional about risks and benefits of ART. You should also make sure how many embryos are transferred.
- Get treatment for existing health problems – These include high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, obesity, and others.
Furthermore, doctors may advise additional steps that will help to reduce the risk of preterm labor if they determine you have an increased one.
Diagnosis
First of all, physicians will review your medical history and preterm labor risk factors and will ask some questions about symptoms. Women who experience regular uterine contractions and cervix begin to open before 37 weeks of pregnancy are diagnosed with preterm labor usually. Check below some tests and procedures usually done by doctors to confirm this pregnancy problem:
- Pelvic examination – It is usually done to check for uterine bleeding and if the cervix begin to open or not.
- Ultrasound – This test is usually performed by doctors to determine the length of the cervix. It also helps to determine problems with the placenta or baby, confirm the baby’s position, and others.
- Uterine monitoring – This test is used to measure the duration of the contractions.
- Laboratory tests – These include urine tests, vaginal secretion tests, and others.
Treatment
Commonly, the treatment involves medicines and surgical procedures. However, if you are in labor, there are no effective medicines or surgeries to stop the labor.
Medicines
- Corticosteroids – This group of medicines is usually prescribed by doctors if you are between 23-37 weeks of pregnancy and you are at increased risk of delivery within the next week.
- Magnesium sulfate – If you are at elevated risk of delivery between 24-32 weeks of pregnancy, physicians prescribe this medicine. As per studies, magnesium sulfate can also reduce the risk of brain damage (such as cerebral palsy) for babies.
- Tocolytics – This medication helps to reduce contractions for a short time. It also helps to delay preterm labor. Doctors may not prescribe you this medicine if you have some health problems associated with pregnancy (such as preeclampsia).
Surgery
Cervical cerclage is usually recommended by doctors if you are at increased risk of preterm labor due to a short cervix. This procedure is usually done if you are under 24 weeks of pregnancy and have a history of early premature birth. To determine the length of your cervix, doctors usually perform an ultrasound.
Preventive Medicine
Sometimes, doctors recommend a synthetic form of Progesterone (hydroxyprogesterone caproate). It is inserted into the vagina as a preventive measure for women with an elevated risk of preterm labor. Moreover, some studies suggest that vagina Progesterone is as effective as cervical cerclage. The benefit of this preventive medicine is that does not require surgery or anesthesia. Consult with your healthcare professional if you have a medical history of preterm labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to stop preterm labor?
In some cases, it is possible to delay preterm labor to allow more time for the baby to grow in the uterus. Doctors usually recommend bed rest, medicines, and intravenous fluids.
What are the potential complications of preterm labor?
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
- Intraventricular hemorrhage
- Weak growth
- Congenital anomalies
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Retinopathy of immaturity
If you suspect your child experienced any of the previous complications, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
What are the most common causes of preterm labor?
These include:
- Chronic health conditions (including diabetes, hypertension, and others)
- Infections
- Multiple pregnancies
Ask your doctor if you have additional questions.
