Are you having a premature baby? Let's know these things! (Preterm Labor)

Pregnancy is a very special time in every mother's life. However, it is also normal to have some fears and doubts. The biggest fear that comes to your mind is probably, "What if I have a baby before the due date?" That's what we're talking about today. In medicine, we call this 'preterm labor' or premature birth . Don't worry, if you are aware of this, our doctors can control this situation in most cases.

Simply put, preterm labor is when your body starts preparing for labor 3 weeks or more before your due date. The longer the baby stays in the womb, the less likely it is to have complications after birth. That's why it's so important to know about this.

What are the risk factors that affect this?

There are several factors that can contribute to premature birth. Some we can control, some we can't. Let's take a look at the main risk factors.

Be aware of these symptoms!

To prevent premature labor, it's important to be aware of the early warning signs . Acting quickly at the slightest suspicion can make a big difference. If you notice anything like this , call your doctor immediately.

How do you know exactly when contractions are coming?

'Contractions' are one of the main signs of labor. It's important to recognize this accurately.

1. Place your fingertips on your stomach .

2. See if the uterus feels like it's tightening and then loosening again. That's what a 'contraction' is.

3. Record the time. Write down the time the pain started and the time the next pain started.

4. Try to stop the pain. Stay in bed. Change positions . Relax well. Drink two or three glasses of water.

5. If the pain occurs every 10 minutes or more frequently, or if the symptoms worsen, call your doctor immediately.

But remember, many pregnant women experience harmless false contractions called 'Braxton Hicks Contractions'. These don't come all at once, and they go away after a little walking or resting. If you're not sure what kind of pain you're feeling, it's best to consult a doctor.

What happens if I have to go to the hospital?

If your doctor thinks you're in preterm labor, you may be admitted to the hospital. There's nothing to worry about. The medical staff will do the following:

• They will ask about your complete health history, especially about any medications you took during pregnancy.
• They will check your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.
• A monitor will be placed on your abdomen to check your baby's heartbeat and the nature of your contractions .
• A test called 'Fetal Fibronectin' can be done to check the risk of preterm delivery.
• A urine test or a sample from the cervix will be taken to check for infection.
• They check to see if the cervix is ​​open.

If preterm labor is confirmed, you may be given the following treatments:

• Giving saline (IV fluids).
• Giving medication to relax the uterus and stop the pain.
• Giving the baby a special medicine (steroids) to help the baby's lungs develop faster .
• Giving antibiotics.

In some cases, if the pain cannot be controlled, doctors may decide to deliver the baby. Also, if the mother has a condition such as severe preeclampsia, if the baby is not well, or if there is a problem with the placenta (placenta previa/abruption), the baby may need to be delivered early.

Can premature birth be prevented?

Although it cannot be completely prevented, there are things we can do to reduce the risk.

• Get good prenatal care: It's important to go to the right clinic. The doctor will identify your risk factors and give you the necessary advice.
• Reduce stress: Take some time each day to be quiet. Ask your family for help if you need it.
• Take care of your oral health: Research has found a link between gum disease and premature birth. So brush your teeth twice a day.
• Avoid bad habits: If you smoke, stop it. Avoid alcohol and drugs completely.

Sometimes doctors use a special transvaginal ultrasound to measure the length of the cervix to assess risk. For women with a short cervix, giving the hormone progesterone to prevent premature birth is also an effective way to prevent preterm labor.

What happens if the baby is born early?

This is something that many mothers fear. But the truth is, most babies born prematurely eventually grow up to be just as healthy and well as babies born at term.

However, premature babies face certain health challenges. This varies depending on the week the baby is born.

• NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Treatment: Babies born very prematurely need to stay in a special care unit (NICU), where they receive the necessary warmth, nutrition, and medical care.
• Nutrition: It is difficult for premature babies to suckle a lot of milk at once, so they need to be fed more frequently, about every 3-4 hours.
• Breathing: Some babies may have difficulty breathing. If you notice that your baby is having difficulty breathing, call your doctor immediately or take them to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit).
• Jaundice:If your baby's skin or eyes turn yellow, it could be a sign of jaundice. This means the liver is having trouble clearing bilirubin from the blood. This can cause brain damage if not treated quickly, so get checked out before you leave the hospital. Keep an eye out for these symptoms even after you get home.
• Infections: Premature babies' immune systems are not fully developed, so they are more likely to get infections. Watch for symptoms like fever and difficulty breathing.