Does labor come before the baby is born? This is called premature labor.

Do you sometimes feel like you're going to have a baby before your due date? This is a common fear for many mothers. This is called preterm labor . Simply put, it's when your body prepares to deliver your baby more than 3 weeks before your due date. This can sometimes cause your baby to be born early. But the good news is that doctors can do a lot to delay this early delivery. The longer your baby stays in the womb, the fewer problems he or she will have after birth.

Who is at increased risk?

There are several reasons that can lead to premature birth. Let's take a look at what they are.

• Smoking: Smoking during pregnancy is very dangerous.
• Body weight : Excessive weight gain or loss before pregnancy.
• Age: Being a young mother under 20 years of age or over 40 years of age.
• Not attending antenatal clinics: Not following a doctor's instructions and tests properly throughout pregnancy.
• Alcohol and drugs: Drinking alcohol or using other drugs during pregnancy.
• Other health problems: High blood pressure, diabetes, conditions like preeclampsia, blood clotting disorders, or certain infections.
• Problems with the baby in the womb: The baby in the womb may have a birth defect.
• Artificial insemination: Pregnancy through a technique such as `( In Vitro Fertilization - IVF)`.
• Twins: Having a multiple pregnancy, such as twins or triplets.
• Previous history: If you or someone in your family has had a premature birth before.
• Having children in close succession: Getting pregnant again not long after having one child.

These are the symptoms to watch out for.

To prevent premature labor, you need to be aware of the warning signs. Acting quickly at this point can make a big difference. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away.

How do you know exactly when contractions are coming?

Checking the cervix is ​​the main way to detect this condition early.

1. Place your fingertips on your stomach.

2. If the uterus feels like it is tightening and then relaxing again, that is called a ``Contraction``.

3. Record the time. Write down the time when one day begins and the time when the next day begins.

4. Try to stop this. If you are standing, sit down. Change positions. Breathe well and relax. Drink two or three glasses of water.

5. If the pain continues to occur every 10 minutes or more frequently, if the symptoms worsen, or if the pain is unbearable , call your doctor immediately.

But remember, many mothers experience harmless false contractions called ``Braxton Hicks contractions.`` These usually don't come in a row, don't come in a pattern, and stop when you change positions or rest. They are not part of labor. But if you're not sure what the pain is, definitely seek medical advice.

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. When you go to the hospital, a doctor or nurse will do the following:

• Your medical history will be asked, especially about medications you took during pregnancy.
• Your pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature will be checked.
• A monitor is attached to your abdomen to monitor your baby's heartbeat and your movements.
• A sample is taken from the vagina to test for something called ``fetal fibronectin.`` This can give an idea of ​​the risk of having a premature baby.
• A urine or cervical test will be done to check for infections.
• They check to see if your cervix is ​​dilated.

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

• Giving IV fluids (saline).
• Giving medication to relax the uterus and stop labor.
• Giving medicine to help the baby's lungs develop faster.
• Giving antibiotics.
• Hospitalization and treatment.

If the contractions cannot be stopped, the doctors will prepare to deliver the baby. Also, if you have a condition such as an infection in the uterus or amniotic fluid, or severe pre-eclampsia, they may decide to deliver the baby early.

Can premature birth be prevented?

The most important thing you can do to have a healthy baby is to be healthy before you get pregnant and to attend proper medical advice and clinics throughout your pregnancy.

Preterm birth may not be completely preventable, but you can reduce the risk by following these steps:

• Reduce stress. Spend some time each day in silence. Ask others for help when you need it.
• Keep your teeth and gums healthy. Research has found a link between gum disease and premature birth. So brush your teeth daily.
• If you smoke, stop immediately.

Your doctor will review your risk factors and talk to you about precautions you should take. Sometimes a transvaginal ultrasound can be done to measure the length of your cervix to get an idea of ​​your risk of preterm birth. Recent research has found that giving a hormone called progesterone can help prevent preterm birth in some women.

What happens if the baby is born early?

We call babies born prematurely ``Preemies.`` Most of the time, these babies gradually develop and reach the level of babies born at term.

However, these babies are at higher risk of developing certain problems. Their development may be delayed. They may take longer to learn things like rolling over, talking, and grasping things. They are also at higher risk of developing long-term health problems like autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, lung problems, and vision and hearing impairments.

The severity of the problems a baby may have depends on how early they are born. Babies born after 7 months usually need a short stay in the hospital's ``NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit''. Babies born even earlier face even greater challenges. They need specialized medical care and care in the ``NICU''.

If you and your baby notice any of these symptoms after you and your baby return home, call your doctor immediately or take them to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

• Breastfeeding: Premature babies can breastfeed. Therefore, they should be breastfed frequently (every 3-4 hours). If your baby refuses to breastfeed, tell your doctor .
• Sleep: These babies can sleep a lot. They may also fall asleep during feedings. So wake them up during feedings. Always put them to sleep on their backs.
• Breathing: If your baby seems to be having difficulty breathing, call your doctor immediately or call 1990.
• Jaundice: If your baby's skin or eyes turn yellow, or if they have difficulty feeding, it could be a sign of jaundice. Get checked before you leave the hospital. If you notice any symptoms after you get home, tell your doctor .
• 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.

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