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Preterm Labor

Health Pregnancy Preterm Labor
Also called: Early Labor, Premature Birth, Premature Labor, Preterm Birth

Preterm labor is labor that starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. It can lead to premature birth. Premature babies may face serious health risks.

Symptoms of preterm labor include

  • Contractions every 10 minutes or more often
  • Leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina
  • Feeling of pressure in the pelvis
  • Low, dull backache
  • Cramps that feel like menstrual cramps
  • Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea

If you think you might be having preterm labor, contact your health care provider.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Symptoms of Preterm Labor

The following features are indicative of Preterm Labor:
  • regular or frequent painful contractions
  • constant backache
  • sensation of pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
  • abdominal cramps
  • diarrhea
  • vaginal spotting or bleeding
  • watery vaginal discharge

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Common Causes of Preterm Labor

The following are the most common causes of Preterm Labor:
  • previous preterm labor
  • pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples
  • problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta

Risk Factors for Preterm Labor

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Preterm Labor:
  • previous preterm labor
  • pregnancy with twins, triplets or other multiples
  • problems with the uterus, cervix or placenta
  • smoking cigarettes
  • genital tract infections
  • high blood pressure
  • diabetes
  • stressful life events
  • preeclampsia
  • vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
  • presence of a fetal birth defect

Prevention of Preterm Labor

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Preterm Labor. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • regularly monitor the baby's health
  • eat a healthy diet
  • quit smoking
  • be cautious when using assisted reproductive technology

Occurrence of Preterm Labor

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Preterm Labor cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Preterm Labor most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 20-35 years

Common Gender

Preterm Labor most commonly occurs in the following gender:
  • Female

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Preterm Labor

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Preterm Labor:
  • Pelvic exam: To evaluate the firmness and tenderness of the uterus
  • Ultrasound: To measure the length of the cervix and determine the baby's size, age, weight and position in the uterus
  • Uterine monitoring: To measure the duration and spacing of the contractions
  • Maturity amniocentesis: To determine the baby's lung maturity

Doctor for Diagnosis of Preterm Labor

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Preterm Labor:
  • Obstetrician
  • Pediatrician

Complications of Preterm Labor if untreated

Yes, Preterm Labor causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Preterm Labor is left untreated:
  • premature birth of baby
  • low birth weight of baby
  • breathing difficulties in baby
  • underdeveloped organs in baby
  • vision problems in baby
  • higher risk of learning disabilities and behavioral problems

Procedures for Treatment of Preterm Labor

The following procedures are used to treat Preterm Labor:
  • Cervical cerclage: To develop preterm labor

Self-care for Preterm Labor

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Preterm Labor:
  • Take proper rest: Proper resting relieves the stress
  • Avoid strenuous activity: Keeps the body relaxed

Patient Support for Treatment of Preterm Labor

The following actions may help Preterm Labor patients:
  • History of preterm labor: Doing breathing exercises or listening to music helps in reducing the anxiety

Time for Treatment of Preterm Labor

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Preterm Labor to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 3 - 6 months

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Preterm Labor.

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Preterm Labor

Preterm labor is labor that starts before 37 completed weeks of ...
 
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