“What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor During Pregnancy?”

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor During Pregnancy?

No woman wants to go into labor prematurely. As an experienced mom I can tell you one of women’s greatest concerns during pregnancy is premature labor. Most women will carry their babies from 37 to 40 weeks. This gestation is considered “full term.” Women who deliver their babies before 37 weeks pregnant give birth to preterm babies.

Premature babies are more at risk than their full term peers for various complications. How well your baby does depends on how early he or she is born. Many pregnant women spend a lot of time worrying about preterm labor. While a serious labor complication, it is relatively uncommon. That said, it is important you understand your risk factors for experiencing preterm labor, so you can take steps to prevent it if necessary.

Premature Labor
Premature labor is labor or cervical dilation occurring prior to 37 weeks pregnant. Studies suggest that as many as 12% of babies in the United States are delivered prematurely. Any woman is at risk for premature labor. Some women however, are more at risk than others. These include:

•  Women who are younger than 17 years old.
•  Women over age 35 years old.
•  Women who have had previous premature labor or preterm babies.
•  Women carrying multiples.
•  Women who abuse alcohol, drugs or other substances during pregnancy.

There are also some common causes of preterm labor during pregnancy. These include:

•  Infections during pregnancy, including bacterial vaginosis or chlamydia, which can infect the membranes surrounding the baby.
•  Women with placental problems including placenta previa, which can trigger premature labor.
•  Women with abnormally shaped uteruses.
•  Women with chronic conditions including high blood pressure, preeclampsia or auto immune diseases.
•  Any woman experiencing a severe injury especially to the abdomen during pregnancy.

Common Signs of Premature Labor
The most common signs of premature labor during pregnancy include the following before 37 weeks pregnancy:

•  Rhythmic and uncomfortable abdominal contractions that do not go away with rest or drinking fluids.
•  Contractions accompanied by symptoms including vaginal bleeding, diarrhea or nausea.
•  Contractions that come every ten minutes or more frequently that remain for an hour or more.
•  Increasing pelvic pressure and lower back pain.

If you suspect you may be experiencing premature labor it is important you consult with your healthcare provider immediately. While many women mistake Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy for true labor, there is always a risk you may be experiencing premature labor.

Your healthcare provider can help monitor your pregnancy and check the baby for signs of distress. If you are in premature labor, depending on the stage of pregnancy you are in, your doctor may take action to help prolong your pregnancy. This may include bed rest and administration of certain medications to help reduce uterine contractions.

If labor is imminent, your doctor may decide to administer certain medications to help mature your baby’s lungs and increase their chances of survival outside the womb.

The good news is many babies born prematurely today eventually catch up to their normal gestation peers and do well after delivery. There are of course, many complications and risks associated with preterm labor. These include an increased risk for brain and heart defects, respiratory disorders and developmental disabilities.

Preventing Preterm Labor
While often there is little you can do to prevent a premature labor, there are some steps you can take to help ensure your best possible odds of a normal and healthy pregnancy. These include:

•  Visit your healthcare provider routinely for prenatal exams.
•  Follow a healthy and nutritious diet.
•  Take a prenatal vitamin.
•  Avoid excessive stress or strenuous physical activity.
•  Avoid using alcohol, drugs or other substances during pregnancy.