Knowing the risks and symptoms of pre-term labor
4:53 p.m. Thursday, July 5, 2007
According to Dr. Dahl, pre-term labor is any onset of labor prior to 37 weeks of gestation, or pregnancy.
Women who are at most risk for pre-term labor are those carrying more than one fetus, a history of pre-term delivery or women who have any type of uterine anomaly, or odd shape to their uterus.
The risks to a pre-term baby are to the eyes, neurologic problems, respiratory problems or needing assistance keeping warm and feeding.
Symptoms of pre-term labor are change or increase in vaginal discharge, constant, low dull backache, mild abdominal cramps, regular or frequent contractions or ruptured membranes.
Women who believe they might be in pre-term labor are often advised by their doctors to rest for an hour and keep track of contractions and fetal movement. If membranes break, women should get to their doctor immediately.
Smoking, alcohol use, illicit drug use (especially cocaine), domestic violence, poor prenatal care or excessive time standing can trigger pre-term labor.
A woman's obstetrician can evaluate her risks with monitoring, ultrasound and other testing. Often, by decreasing an at-risk pregnant woman's work hours can avoid pre-term labor. In addition, medication can prolong labor, thus prolonging the fetal development time in the womb. Or, if need be, steroids can be used to promote fetal lung development.
If there is any doubt that a woman might be in premature labor, contact her doctor.
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