Preterm Labor

Preterm labor can be a serious problem because the earlier the delivery, the greater the health risks for the baby.

Preterm labor

Preterm labor is when the labor begins before week 37 of pregnancy, whereas the normal pregnancy period is around 40 weeks.

Causes and risk factors of preterm labor

Premature labor occurs due to many factors:

• Medical history: previous preterm labor, shortened cervix, problems in the uterus or placenta, certain infections in the amniotic fluid or lower genital tract, and certain conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and depression.
• Pregnancy problems, such as pregnancy with twins or more, vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, increased amniotic fluid, less than 18 months between pregnancies, pregnancy before the age of 17 or after the age of 35, and pregnancy by using an assisted reproductive technology (like IVF).
• Other factors, such as smoking or illegal drugs, poor nutrition, lack of prenatal care, stressful life events, and Black race.

Symptoms of preterm labor

• Four or more contractions in one hour that don’t go away.
• A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
• Mild low back pain.
• Dull abdominal cramps.
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting.
• Fluid from the vagina.
• Increased vaginal discharges.
• Decreased fetal movement.
• Preterm labor can lead to premature birth, and the baby in this case is more prone to health issues, such as low birth weight, organs that aren’t fully formed, breathing problems, increased risk of cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.

Diagnosis of preterm labor

• Ultrasonography.
• Pelvic exam.
• Monitoring the uterus.
• Lab tests.

Treatment of preterm labor

• Medications.
• Cervical cerclage.
• The risk of preterm labor can be reduced by getting regular prenatal care, eating enough and healthily, keeping a healthy weight, avoiding the risk factors, and managing other conditions, if any.