Preterm Labor

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Preterm (premature) labor occurs when the uterus (womb) contracts and the cervix opens earlier than normal. The cervix is the opening of your uterus. Preterm labor happens after the 20th week of pregnancy, but before the 37th week of pregnancy. An early labor could cause you to have your baby before he is ready to be born.

An infection, injury, multiple pregnancies, or a history of preterm labor or preterm birth may cause early labor. Signs and symptoms include abdominal (stomach) pain, menstrual-like cramping, low back pain, and vaginal spotting or bleeding. Pelvic exam, ultrasound, or fetal fibronectin test may be done to check if you are having early labor. Treatment may include bed rest or medicines. With treatment, including medications and bedrest, you may be able to stop preterm labor.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

A preterm labor may cause you to have your baby before he is ready to be born. Your baby could have serious problems, such as lung problems, if he is premature. Early treatment may delay delivery long enough to decrease the problems your baby might have due to prematurity. Ask your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your preterm labor or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

External fetal heart monitoring:

Caregivers may use this to monitor your baby's heartbeat, and the contractions of your uterus. A small metal disc (monitor) with gel on it is placed on your abdomen. A belt will be fastened around your waist to hold the monitor in place. The monitor may need to be moved as your baby moves inside you. It may also be put on and taken off, or left in place. The monitor is attached to a machine with a TV-type screen, or a printer. The screen or the paper print out shows a tracing of your uterus contracting, and the baby's heartbeat.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Corticosteroids: These medicines may be given if preterm labor cannot be stopped and preterm delivery is likely. These medicines help your child's lungs to mature and prevent breathing problems.
  
  
• Tocolytics: Tocolytics are given to stop contractions if your baby is not ready to be born. Contractions are when the muscles of your uterus tighten and loosen.

Tests:

• Amniocentesis: This test checks to see if your baby's lungs are developed. It also checks to see if you have an infection in your amniotic sac. The amniotic sac contains the fluid around your baby. Caregivers take a sample of the fluid by putting a needle through the skin of your abdomen (stomach) and into your uterus. The sample will then be sent to the lab for tests.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Pelvic exam: This is also called an internal or vaginal exam. During a pelvic exam, feel free to ask for a woman to be present if one is not. Your caregiver gently puts a warmed speculum into your vagina. A speculum is a tool that opens your vagina. This lets your caregiver see your cervix (bottom part of your uterus). With gloved hands, your caregiver will check the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries.
  
  
• Vaginal ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to show pictures of the inside of your uterus (womb) and ovaries. A small tube is placed into your vagina. Pictures of your uterus and ovaries are seen on a TV-like screen.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Preterm Labor (Inpatient Care)