Are you also at risk of having a baby before your due date? (Preterm Labor) Let's be aware of this!

If you are expecting a baby, you are probably feeling a little scared as well as happy these days, right? It is normal to wonder if everything will go well and if the baby will be born healthy. In the meantime, sometimes we hear, "Oh, the baby is here before the due date!" So today, let's talk about this condition of preparing for childbirth before the due date , or as doctors call it , `(Preterm Labor)` . Let's talk in simple terms about what it really is, why it happens, can we prevent it, and what to do if it happens.

What is Preterm Labor?

Simply put, `(Preterm Labor)` means that your body is preparing for childbirth before the 37th week of your pregnancy. A healthy pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks. When 37 weeks are complete, we say that you are "at term". Before that, that is, before 37 weeks , if you start to show signs of labor, that is `(Preterm Labor)`.

Labor is the process by which your body prepares for the arrival of your baby. This involves the tightening and relaxing of the muscles of your uterus (contractions) and the rupture of your membranes (rupture of membranes) . In preterm labor, the lower part of your uterus, called the cervix , may begin to open (or dilate) earlier than normal.

Imagine, when Nalini was about to have her second baby, she started having minor stomach cramps around the 7th month. When the doctor examined her, she found that her cervix was slightly dilated. That's what this is like.

But this doesn't always mean the baby will be born prematurely. Sometimes, doctors can stop the labor and let the baby grow inside the womb for a few more days. This can be done with bed rest , intravenous fluids (IV fluids) , and medications to relax the uterus.

Also, in some cases, for medical reasons related to the baby or the mother, doctors decide to deliver the baby early. For example, if there is high blood pressure during pregnancy (`Preeclampsia`), a condition such as placental abruption, or if the baby is not growing properly (`Fetal growth restriction`).

What is premature birth? (What is premature birth?)

A premature birth, or preterm birth, is when a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Babies born this early can have some health problems, such as breathing difficulties and low birth weight. That's why efforts are made to keep the baby in the womb as long as possible.

What triggers preterm labor?

It's hard to say exactly what causes preterm labor. There are a number of factors that can contribute to it. Some of them are related to your medical history, previous pregnancies, and your lifestyle. But the surprising thing is that sometimes people with no risk factors can develop this condition.

Can preterm labor be stopped?

Sometimes it can, but most of the time it's temporary . If you're in preterm labor, your doctor may prescribe medications to stop or delay labor. While these medications won't stop it completely, they can help your baby's lungs and other organs develop a little if they're born early.

Do you have these symptoms too? Be careful! (How do you know if you're in preterm labor?)

It is important to know the signs of preterm labor. If you have any of the following symptoms, and they do not improve within an hour, or if the pain is severe and persistent, call your doctor immediately.

• If the uterus contracts and relaxes four or more times in an hour (constriction) , and it does not decrease after changing positions or resting.
• If you frequently experience a tightness or aching pain in your lower back that comes and goes, or if it is persistent (even when you change positions or stay in a comfortable position).
• A cramp in the lower abdomen, similar to a gas-filled stomach (may be accompanied by or without diarrhea).
• If you feel excessive pressure in your vagina or pelvis.
• A persistent stomach ache, like the one that comes with menstruation.
• If there is increased vaginal discharge, or if there is a thin, pink discharge.
• If a watery liquid leaks from the vagina, this could be amniotic fluid .
• If there is vaginal bleeding.
• Fever-like symptoms, meaning things like nausea and vomiting.
• Decreased baby movement (if baby does not move at least six times in an hour).

The most important thing is to seek medical advice immediately if you have any of these symptoms or are in any doubt. Don't make decisions alone!

How do I check for contractions?

Sometimes you may not be feeling real contractions, but rather false contractions, called Braxton Hicks contractions , which are a way for your body to get used to labor. Real contractions come closer and are more painful. They don't stop even when you rest or change positions. If you're not sure if what you're feeling is real contractions or not, be sure to talk to your doctor.

What are the risk factors for having a baby early? (What causes preterm labor?)

There are many reasons why preterm labor can occur. Some of them we can control, and some we can't.

Three main risk factors that have the most impact:

• If you have previously had a premature birth .
• If you are pregnant with twins, triplets or more .
• If you have, or have had , any problems with your uterus, cervix, or vagina .

Risk factors associated with pregnancy:

• If there was vaginal bleeding throughout the pregnancy.
• If you have become pregnant through a method such as ``(IVF)`` (in vitro fertilization) .
• If there is a suspicion that the baby in the womb has a congenital disability .
• If the time between one pregnancy and the next is short (for example, getting pregnant again in less than 12-18 months).

Risk factors related to age and race:

• If you are under 17 or over 35 years old .
• Some studies show that this condition is more common among certain ethnic groups (this is just a scientific observation, not common to everyone).

Risk factors related to lifestyle:

• Lack of prenatal care.
• Weight loss or gain before pregnancy.
• Not gaining enough weight during pregnancy.
• Following an unhealthy diet .
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs .
• Having a physically demanding job (standing for hours a day, or working for hours).
• Being under severe stress or anxiety .
• Exposure to things that are harmful to the baby (teratogens), such as toxic chemicals, lead, and radiation .

Risk factors that may arise due to medical reasons:

• Untreated vaginal infections (e.g., urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or other uterine or vaginal infections).
• Conditions such as connective tissue disorders, for example Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) .
• Placental problems, such as placental abruption or placenta previa .
• Amniotic fluid (`Polyhydramnios`) or amniotic fluid (`Oligohydramnios`) .
• A short cervix or an irregularly shaped uterus (e.g., septate uterus or bicornuate uterus).
• Having had previous surgery on the cervix or uterus .
• You have medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, or blood clotting disorders .
• Having a condition called ``Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)'', a liver disease that occurs during pregnancy.

How does the doctor diagnose this? (How is preterm labor diagnosed?)

Your doctor will primarily check your cervix to see if you are in preterm labor. If your cervix is ​​effaced and dilated, you may be in preterm labor. In addition to this internal examination, your doctor may also:

• Ultrasound scan: This can check the size of the baby, its position in the womb, and whether there are any problems with the placenta or amniotic fluid.
• Monitor contractions: You may be connected to a machine that measures the pattern of your contractions.
• Fetal fibronectin test: A sample of your vaginal fluid is taken and checked for the presence of a protein called fetal fibronectin. This is a protein that helps the amniotic sac adhere to the uterus. Its presence in vaginal fluid means that labor may have begun.

What do doctors do for this? / What are the treatments? (How do doctors manage preterm labor?)

If you are in preterm labor, you may need medication to slow or stop the contractions. If the contractions are too far along and cannot be stopped, your doctor may need to deliver your baby early. There are also medications that can help your baby's lungs and other organs develop if they are born prematurely. Your doctor will consider the following:

• How many weeks pregnant are you?
• Is it safe for a baby to be born ?
• What is the cause of your early miscarriage (e.g., a medical condition, a placental problem, an infection).

What medications are used for preterm labor?

The main goal of medication is to stop the progression of labor and allow the baby to develop in the womb for as long as possible. The main types of medication used for `(Preterm Labor)` are:

• Tocolytics: These medications can stop labor for up to 48 hours and delay premature birth. After labor is delayed, your doctor may give you magnesium sulfate or corticosteroids . You may also be transferred to a hospital with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during this time.
• Magnesium sulfate: This is a medicine given intravenously. It helps reduce the risk of cerebral palsy and movement disorders in the baby. It is given if you are less than 32 weeks pregnant and there is a risk of giving birth within the next 24 hours.
• Corticosteroids: These steroids help the baby's lungs, digestive system, and brain develop before birth. They are usually given between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.

If you have had a previous preterm birth, your obstetrician may recommend medication to prevent premature labor. The most common is progesterone . This involves inserting a progesterone suppository (like a pill) into the vagina. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend a procedure called a cervical cerclage. This involves sewing the cervix shut to prevent it from opening.

What can we do to prevent going into labor early? (How can I prevent going into labor early?)

Although it is difficult to completely prevent preterm labor, there are several things we can do to reduce the risk of preterm labor:

• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, or abusing medications.
• Get to a healthy weight before getting pregnant, and gain the appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy.
• Eat healthy foods and take the prenatal vitamins recommended by your doctor.
• Find ways to reduce or manage your stress. Stay active, go for walks, read books, and take time to relax every day.
• Attend all prenatal clinics. See a dentist and get your teeth cleaned. There is a link between the health of your gums and `(Preterm Labor)`.
• Get treatment or manage any medical conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), gestational diabetes (gestational diabetes), depression, or vaginal infections.
• Keep a gap of at least 12 to 18 months between pregnancies.

When should you definitely see a doctor? (When should you contact your healthcare provider about preterm labor?)

If you experience any of the following signs of preterm labor, notify your doctor immediately:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge (fluid leakage) or bleeding.
• Nausea or stomach pain (with or without diarrhea).
• Persistent lower back pain.
• Feeling of pressure in the pelvic cavity or abdomen.
• "Your water breaking."

Final Take-Home Message

Preterm labor, or premature labor, can cause your baby to be born prematurely. So if you have symptoms like cramping, increased vaginal discharge, bleeding, or pelvic pain, call your doctor right away. Fortunately, there are things your doctor can do to help manage your cramping. The longer your baby stays in your womb, the less likely he or she is to have health problems. If you are carrying twins or have had a previous preterm labor or premature birth, you may be at slightly higher risk.

The best way to prevent preterm labor is to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy and manage your health conditions well. Always talk to your doctor and follow their advice. Don't panic, the most important thing is to be informed!

` preterm labor, premature birth, pregnancy, labor, baby, health, childbirth