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Preterm Labor

Preterm Labor

Preterm Labor is a condition in which the uterus has regular contractions This results in the cervix opening and delivery after the 20th week and before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Preterm labor can cause a baby to be born prematurely. This will affect the health of the baby as the development of the organs is not yet complete. Premature babies need special care in the neonatal ward.

The cause of preterm labor is unclear. The condition can happen to any pregnant woman.

Symptom

• regular or frequent uterine contractions
• Frequent lower back pain
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
• vaginal bleeding
• Premature amniotic sac leak
• Changed appearance of white discharge

When should I see a doctor?

If there are such symptoms or concerns. You should see a doctor immediately. Don’t be embarrassed if it turns out to be just a pseudo-abdominal pain.

Risk factors

• maternal age at pregnancy, such as young or too young
• The interval between previous pregnancies was less than 6 months or greater than 59 months.
• have had preterm labor before
• pregnant with twin
• short cervix
• a lot of amniotic fluid
• have uterine problems, such as fibroids or placenta previa, bleeding
• Infections of the amniotic fluid or genital organs
• have congenital diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure self allergy or depression
• through events that affect the body or mind, such as the death of a loved one
• smoking or using drugs

Complications

Prematurity can lead to preterm delivery. This results in the baby having health problems as the organs are not fully developed. The baby is underweight There may be a problem with the respiratory system. eyesight and vision problems Premature babies are also at risk for cerebral palsy and learning and behavioral problems.

Prevention

Premature labor cannot be prevented. But taking care of pregnant mother’s health also helps to promote healthy pregnancy.

See an obstetrician at every appointment. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms that bother you.

• eat nutritious food
• Avoid substance abuse or smoking.
• If you have a congenital disease Should inform the doctor and take care to control the symptoms of the disease.
• Avoid pregnancies that are spaced less than 6 months or more than 59 months.
• Take care of any underlying disease, if any.

Diagnosis

The doctor will take a history including considering the risk factors of preterm labor

• Internal examination The doctor will check the strength of the uterus. including the size and position of the fetus If there are no symptoms of water walking or placenta previa Your doctor may measure your cervix. and check to see if there is bleeding from the uterine cavity or not
• vaginal ultrasound The doctor may perform a vaginal ultrasound to measure the length of the cervix. Check the baby’s position and weight. including the amount of amniotic fluid
• laboratory examination Your doctor may order a sample of vaginal secretions to check for infection and fetal fibronectin, which acts like a glue to hold the baby’s membrane against the uterine wall, which is peeling off. Come when you’re about to give birth

Treatment

There are no medications or treatments that can stop the delivery. But your doctor may prescribe medication to help with the following symptoms:

• Corticosteroids speed up baby’s lung growth. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to mothers of 23-34 weeks of pregnancy who are at risk of giving birth within the next 1-7 days or who are at risk of stillbirth during their gestational age. 34-37 weeks
• Magnesium sulfate may help reduce a baby’s risk of aphasia. especially in babies born before 32 weeks of gestation
• tocolytics or drugs that prevent uterine contractions It slows the contraction of the uterus for at least 48 hours to allow the fetal lungs to be stimulated by corticosteroids through the mother. However, tocolytics are not recommended for pregnancy-related symptoms of hypertension.

Surgery.

If the expectant mother is at risk of miscarriage due to the short cervical neck. especially in cases with gestational age less than 24 weeks with a history of preterm birth or open cervix or the cervix is ​​shorter than 25 millimeters, the doctor may suture the cervix The stitches will be removed at 36 weeks of gestation or earlier if necessary.

Medication use

in cases with a history of preterm delivery Your doctor may treat you with progesterone pills. in the form of an injectable drug known as Hydroxyprogesterone caproate During the second trimester to the 37th week, progesterone may be administered vaginally in cases of cervicitis. shortly before the 24th week, the use of vaginal progestroone was as effective as the cervical suture

Behavioral changes and self-care at home

Abdominal stiffness due to contractions or pseudo-abdominal pain are common symptoms. If the onset of suspicious symptoms Expectant mothers may try walking, lie down, or change their posture. to see if the symptoms go away If uterine contractions do not subside That could be a sign of preterm labor.

Bed rest in pregnancy without other risk factors Does not reduce the risk of preterm labor and may cause unhealthy muscles thrombosis and feeling depressed

Preparation before seeing a doctor

Bring your husband, family, or friend with you to help remember your doctor’s advice.
Write down the questions you want to ask your doctor.
Examples of questions a patient might want to ask their doctor

Is this symptom of labor pain?

Is there a risk of giving birth prematurely?

What activities should be done or should be avoided to allow the pregnancy to continue until full term?

What symptoms should you see a doctor immediately?

Questions Your Doctor May Ask

When did these symptoms begin?

How many uterine contractions in an hour?

Is there any vaginal bleeding?

Have a fever or have been in contact with infected patients?

When was the last pregnancy you had? Have you ever had a miscarriage or had a hysterectomy?

smoke or not

Is your home far from the hospital? How long does it take to travel?
Premature labor is dangerous for the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor until you understand the results of the diagnosis and how to take care of yourself to maintain your unborn child’s health.