PREMATURE LABOR

 

Normal pregnancies last about 40 weeks. Labor is considered preterm if it occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The symptoms of preterm labor can be hard to evaluate, and the only way to know if you are in preterm labor is to monitor your contractions and measure the changes in the thickness (effacement) and dilatation of your cervix. When babies are born premature, they are at risk for health problems such as premature lung development, infection and other problems.  

Symptoms of Premature Labor

·        Contractions or uterine tightening (often painless) that occurs more than three to four times per hour or every 15 – 20 minutes for two hours.

·        Low abdominal pain or pressure that comes and goes in a regular pattern  or becomes constant low abdominal pressure or pain

·        Menstrual-like cramping that comes and goes or does not go away

·        Constant low, dull backache below the waistline

·        Pelvic pressure that feels like your baby is coming out

·        Increased watery fluid, vaginal discharge or bleeding. Note the odor and color of the fluid, and wear a pad. If you think your bag of water has broken, you must come to the hospital even if you are not having contractions.

·        Decreased movement of your baby

·        Something feels or seems wrong, even if you don’t know what it is

What to do if you think you are having premature labor:

·        Call the doctor’s office and tell us that you think you are having premature labor and go to the hospital labor suite immediately for monitoring and a examination of the cervix

·        Empty your bladder

·        Lie down on your left side, this may slow down or stop some of the symptoms

·        Monitor contractions for one hour by counting the minutes from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next

If symptoms get worse, or don’t go away after an hour, call our office and go to the hospital for an examination of your cervix.

Treatment of Premature Labor

Magnesium Sulfate is a medication given through an IV and helps to stop contractions. Oral medications are also used to decrease the frequency of contractions and help stop dilatation of the cervix.

Corticosteroids are given 24 hours before birth to help accelerate the baby’s lung and brain maturity.

The Impact of Premature Labor on Your Pregnancy

Babies born prematurely are at higher risks of brain and other neurological complications, as well as breathing and digestive problems. Some premature babies grow up with a developmental delay, and may have learning difficulties in school. The earlier in pregnancy a baby is born, the more health problems are likely to occur.   

 Most babies born prior to 22 - 24 weeks have little chance of survival. Only about 50% will survive and the other 50% may die or have permanent problems. Babies born after 32 weeks have a very high survival rate and usually do not have many long term complications.

Premature babies born at hospitals with neonatal intensive care units ( NICU) do best. Premature babies are often transferred to hospitals with a NICU.

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                               KENNETH GOODRICH, M.D.  -  OBSTETRICIAN- GYNECOLOGIST  
     
                                           Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

           Specializing in General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery- Hysterectomies
              and Uterine Fibroids, HPV treatment for Women and Men, Surgery on Obese Women,  Chronic Vaginal
              Discharges, Sexually Transmiited Diseases, Menopause, Abnormal Bleeding ,Cellulite Reduction and
                                                                                 Aesthetic Services