If you're pregnant, your biggest hope is to deliver a healthy, fully developed baby on your due date. But sometimes, your baby is a little too early and ready to come a few weeks before your due date. This is what we call premature labor (preterm labor) , when your body prepares for labor more than 3 weeks before your due date.
This may sound a little scary. But the good news is that with today's advances in medical science, doctors can do a lot to delay this type of premature birth. Remember, every day your baby grows inside your womb is very important for his or her healthy future.
What are the factors that increase the risk of this condition?
There are several factors that can contribute to premature birth. Let's take a look at what they are. Some are things we can control, and some are things that are beyond our control.
| Type of risk factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Lifestyle-related matters |
|
| Medical and pregnancy-related matters | |
| Age |
Warning signs you must recognize!
To prevent preterm labor, you need to be aware of the warning signs. Acting quickly can make a big difference. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor right away.
| Symptom | What you need to know about it |
|---|---|
| Back pain | It is often a pain in the lower back. It can be constant or come and go. This pain does not go away even if you change your position or do something comfortable. |
| Contractions | Feelings of tightening and loosening in the stomach that become increasingly rapid and severe, every 10 minutes or less. |
| Abdominal pain | Menstrual cramps. You may feel like your stomach is full of gas, and it may be accompanied by diarrhea. |
| Vaginal discharge | Leaking of a watery liquid (may be a ruptured bag of water). |
| Fever symptoms | Symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea. Tell your doctor even if it is minor. If you cannot keep any liquids down for more than 8 hours, definitely see a doctor. |
| Increased pressure in the vagina or pelvis | Feeling like something is pressing down. |
| Increased vaginal discharge or bleeding | A change in vaginal discharge (watery, mucousy, or bloody) or even slight bleeding. |
Some of these can be difficult to distinguish from things like normal pregnancy backaches. But if you have even the slightest doubt, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. It's the safest thing to do.
How do I check if contractions are coming?
Checking the cervix is one of the main ways to detect preterm labor.
1. Place your fingertips on your stomach.
2. If the uterus feels like it's tightening and then loosening again, that's a contraction.
3. Record the time. Write down the time when one contraction starts and the time when the next one starts.
4. Try to stop the contractions. If you are standing, sit down or lie down. Change positions. Relax well. Drink two or three glasses of water.
5. Call your doctor immediately! If contractions are coming every 10 minutes or more, if symptoms are getting worse, or if you have severe, persistent pain, call your doctor immediately.
Keep in mind, many women experience harmless, false contractions called Braxton Hicks contractions . These are usually irregular, spaced out, and stop when you change positions or rest. If you're not sure what type of contraction you're feeling, be sure to seek medical advice.
What happens if I have to go to the hospital?
If your doctor thinks you're in preterm labor, you may need to be hospitalized. When you go to the hospital, a doctor, nurse, or family health worker will do the following:
- Ask about your medical history.
- They will check your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.
- A monitor will be placed on your abdomen to monitor the baby's heartbeat and your contractions.
- Checks to see if the cervix is open.
- A swab can be taken for a test called Fetal Fibronectin, which can tell you about the risk of premature birth.
- Samples from urine or cervix are tested to see if there are any infections.
If you are diagnosed with premature labor, you may be given these treatments:
- Giving IV fluids (saline)
- Giving medication to relax the uterus and stop labor
- Giving medicine to help the baby's lungs develop faster (this is very important)
- Giving antibiotics
- Hospitalization and treatment
If the contractions cannot be stopped, the doctor will prepare to deliver the baby. Also, in cases such as an infection in the uterus or amniotic fluid, severe preeclampsia, heavy bleeding due to placenta previa, or placental abruption, the decision may be made to deliver the baby early.
What happens if the baby is born prematurely and how to care for it at home?
Most premature babies develop just like other babies over time, but they need special care.
Premature babies usually stay in the hospital's NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) under specialist care for a few days or weeks. You still need to be very careful about these things after you get home.
| Area of concern | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Nursing | Premature babies drink milk. So feed them frequently (every 3-4 hours). If your baby refuses to drink milk, tell your doctor . |
| Sleeping | This baby sleeps a lot. He can even fall asleep during feeding. So wake him up at the right time for feeding. Always put him on his back while he sleeps. |
| Breathing | If you have difficulty breathing, call your doctor immediately or take you to the nearest hospital's ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) . |
| Body temperature | Because these babies have little body fat, it's hard to regulate their body temperature. Protect them from the cold. Keep the room warm. Dress them in layers for the winter. |
| Jaundice | If your baby's skin or eyes turn yellow, it could be a sign of jaundice. Get checked for this before you leave the hospital. Tell your doctor if you notice any symptoms at home. |
| Infections | Premature babies have weak immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. Be on the lookout for symptoms like fever and difficulty breathing. |
Take-Home Message
- Premature labor is when labor begins more than 3 weeks before the due date.
- Always be on the lookout for warning signs like back pain, contractions that occur every 10 minutes, vaginal discharge or bleeding. If in doubt, call your doctor immediately.
- Getting good prenatal care, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk.
- If you are unsure whether the contractions you are feeling are real or fake (Braxton Hicks), it is always wise to seek medical advice.
- Even if a baby is born prematurely, with today's modern medical facilities (especially the NICU), they have a very good chance of growing up healthy and happy. Don't be afraid, just follow your doctor's advice.
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