Are you having a premature baby? (Preterm Labor) - Don't worry, let's talk about this!

If you are an expectant mother, one of the greatest hopes in your heart is to deliver a healthy baby into this world at the right time. But sometimes, unexpectedly, you may feel a little scared about having your baby before your due date. This is something that many mothers feel. Today, we are talking about this 'premature birth' or, in medical terms, preterm labor . Don't be afraid, the most important thing is to be properly informed about this.

What is Preterm Labor?

Simply put, the average pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. If we start having contractions (pains) and dilation of the cervix before the 37th week, we call that condition Preterm Labor .

The main problem with this is that the organs of the baby born in this way, especially the lungs and brain, are not fully developed. This makes the baby more likely to have various complications. About 10% of pregnancies end in premature birth. Also, about 60% of serious complications or infant deaths are caused by these premature births.

What risks might the baby face if born prematurely?

Having a premature baby can be a very scary experience for a mother. The reason for this is the fear of what will happen to her baby. There are several challenges that a premature baby may have to face.

• Immaturity of the lungs: This is the biggest challenge. If the baby's lungs are not fully developed, it will be difficult for him to breathe on his own. Then the baby will have to be connected to a machine (ventilator) that helps him breathe . Even when oxygen is given in this way, other complications can sometimes occur.
• Difficulty controlling body temperature: The baby may not be able to maintain a normal body temperature. This is also called hypothermia . This means that the body temperature drops dangerously low. Therefore, special equipment (incubator) is needed to keep the baby warm.
• Difficulty sucking: Sometimes the muscles needed to suckle a baby's breast are not fully developed. In this case, it may be necessary to give liquid food intravenously or to feed the baby through a tube inserted through the nose and stomach.
• Other complications: In addition, there is an increased risk of serious infections such as bleeding in the brain, meningitis and sepsis , kidney function problems, and jaundice .

Who is more at risk for this?

Some mothers are more likely to develop this condition than others. Check out the table below to understand what these risk factors are.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

It's very important to be aware of these symptoms, so you can take action quickly.

• Contractions: If your uterus becomes hard and hard like a rock more than four times an hour. Sometimes this can be painless.
• Lower abdominal pain : Backache or lower abdominal pain, similar to menstrual cramps.
• Back pain: A dull, persistent pain in the lower back.
• Pelvic pressure: A feeling like something is pushing down the side of the vagina.
• Change in vaginal discharge: A change in the amount or nature of vaginal discharge, especially a sudden release of a watery liquid or a gradual leak.
• Stomach ache or bloating: Sometimes, symptoms such as stomach pain, gastritis- like symptoms, or bloating may also occur.

How can you confirm this, doctor?

When you go to the hospital, the doctors will do several tests to confirm whether you are truly in preterm labor.

1. Monitoring: Two straps are placed around your abdomen to record the baby's heartbeat and uterine contractions.

2. Vaginal examination: The doctor will examine the inside of your vagina to see if the cervix is ​​open or thin.

3. Testing the bag of waters: If you say or suspect that your bag of waters have broken, a sample of the fluid coming out of your vagina will be taken to check if it is actually amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.

4. Other tests: Samples from the vagina and urine are taken and sent to the laboratory to check for infections. Sometimes a special transvaginal ultrasound may be done to measure the length of the cervix.

What are the treatments for this?

If you are diagnosed with preterm labor, treatment will depend on how many weeks along you are, the condition of your baby, and your own condition. The main goal is to delay labor as much as possible and allow the baby to stay in the womb for a while longer.

• Intravenous hydration and bed rest: The first step is bed rest and intravenous saline. These simple things can sometimes stop contractions.
• Painkillers: Medications such as magnesium sulfate or terbutaline are given intravenously to stop contractions. These work by relaxing the muscles of the uterus and stopping the pain.
• Medications to help the baby's lungs develop: Even if labor cannot be stopped, if it can be delayed by at least two days, the mother is given steroid injections during this time. This helps the baby's lungs mature faster.
• Allowing labor: In some cases, doctors decide to continue labor without stopping it. For example, if the mother has a severe infection, high blood pressure (preeclampsia) , or if the baby is not doing well in the womb, it may be safer for both mother and baby to deliver early.

What can we do to prevent this?

Although this situation cannot be prevented 100%, there are several things we can do to reduce the risk.

Your doctor will examine you, identify your risk factors, and provide you with the necessary advice accordingly.

If you start to experience the symptoms discussed earlier, here's what to do:

1. Stop what you are doing immediately.

2. Go to the bathroom and urinate. (Sometimes a full bladder can also cause contractions.)

3. Drink about two glasses of water or fruit juice.

4. Turn to the left and rest.

5. If the pain persists more than four times an hour despite doing these things, call your doctor immediately or go to a hospital without further delay.

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