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After all, mothers have a lot on their minds already. However, one out of every ten children is delivered prematurely, and knowing the indications of preterm labour gives you an edge in case anything goes wrong. Here's everything you should know about early labour as a mother, as well as what to do if you believe you're in danger.
What Is Preterm Labour?
Preterm labour is described as labour that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy. To have real preterm labour, two things must happen: You must experience contractions as well as changes in the cervix, such as thinning or dilation. It is a common misperception that contractions alone signal preterm labour, and many women have benign, painless contractions as their due date approaches. However, because it can be difficult to distinguish between the painless preterm contractions that may occur near the end of your nine months and the typically more painful preterm labour contractions (especially since you need a doctor to diagnose any changes to the cervix), it's best to contact your doctor if anything appears "off."Early labour usually occurs naturally, but it may sometimes be induced for medical reasons, such as if the woman has preeclampsia, a condition characterised by high blood pressure and kidney and liver problems. If this is the case, physicians will still try to keep the baby in the womb for as long as possible before it must be delivered.
How Does Preterm Labour Affect The Baby?
Preterm labour puts the baby at risk for a preterm delivery, which raises the probability of the newborn having health issues such as:- A low birth weight
- Breathing troubles
- Organs that are not fully developed
- A higher chance of visual or hearing impairments
- An increased risk of behavioural impairments and learning issues
What Causes Preterm Labour?
Even your doctor is perplexed by this situation. Experts are still unsure what causes preterm labour, but they do know that certain circumstances and behaviours might raise the risk. This includes:- Having a past premature birth
- Becoming pregnant with twins, triplets, or other multiples
- Smoking or using drugs
- Being underweight or overweight before becoming pregnant
- Having certain health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
- Contracting an illness when pregnant
- Having a short cervix or previous or ongoing difficulties with the cervix or uterus
- Age more than 35 years old
- Getting pregnant within six months of having your previous child
- Not obtaining prenatal care
Can Premature Labour Be Stopped?
It happens from time to time, although typically just temporarily. If you go into preterm labour, your doctor may prescribe medications to halt or postpone labour. If such treatments are ineffective, additional medications may prepare the foetus for early delivery by developing its lungs and organs.Signs of Preterm Labour
The issue with preterm labour signs is that they might be difficult to identify. Many of the signs of preterm labour are things that are perfectly common and normal during pregnancy.Here's what to watch out for:
- Abdominal cramps or regular contractions (if you're experiencing four to six contractions per hour, consult your doctor immediately)
- Low back discomfort
- Pelvic pressure
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Vaginal discharge
- Fluid leaking (this might indicate that your water ruptured early)
How Do You Tell If You Are Having Premature Labour?
It's important to understand the indicators of preterm labour. If you experience any of the following symptoms and they do not go away in one hour, or if the pain is severe and persistent, contact your healthcare professional immediately.- Four or more contractions (or tightening and relaxing of the muscles in your uterus) in one hour that do not stop when you change positions or relax.
- Regular tightness or low, dull ache in your back that comes and goes or is continuous (not eased by changing postures or other comfort measures).
- Lower stomach cramps that may resemble gas discomfort (with or without diarrhoea).
- Increased pressure in the pelvis or vagina
- Persistent menstruation cramps
- Increased vaginal discharge, either mucus-like or pink-tinged
- Fluid leaks from your vagina. It might be amniotic fluid
- Vaginal bleeding
- Flu-like symptoms including nausea and vomiting
- Foetal motions are reduced (if you do not experience at least six in one hour)
How Can You Check For Contractions?
You may be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, which are a form of practice contraction that helps you prepare for the real thing. Real contractions get closer together, are more painful, and do not cease when you relax or change positions. If you are unsure if you are experiencing a contraction, see your healthcare professional.Pregnancy Risk Factors For Premature Labour
- You had vaginal bleeding throughout your pregnancy
- You are pregnant via IVF
- You are pregnant with a baby who may have a congenital impairment
- Pregnancies are spaced closely together
Age And Race Are Risk Factors For Premature Labour
- You are either under 17 or over 35
Lifestyle Risk Factors for Preterm Labour
- There is a lack of prenatal care.
- You were either underweight or overweight before becoming pregnant.
- You don't gain enough weight when pregnant.
- You have a bad diet.
- You smoke cigarettes, consume alcohol, or use illicit substances.
- You have a physically demanding profession that requires you to stand for many hours each day or work long hours.
- You are severely worried or nervous.
- You are exposed to teratogens like chemicals, lead, radiation, and other hazardous substances.
Medical Risk Factors For Premature Labour
- Untreated vaginal infections like urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and other uterine or vaginal infections.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, generally known as EDS, is a connective tissue illness.
- Placental issues such as placental abruption and placenta previa.
- Polyhydramnios is an excess of amniotic fluid, whereas oligohydramnios is an insufficient amount.
- You have a short cervix or an abnormally shaped uterus (such as septate or bicornuate).
- You have previously undergone surgery on your cervix or uterus.
- You have a medical condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or blood clotting issues.
- You have intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which is a liver disorder that develops during pregnancy.
How Is Premature Labour Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider examines your cervix to identify preterm labour. If your cervix is effaced (thinned) and dilated (open), you might be in premature labour. In addition to a pelvic exam, your physician may do the following:- An ultrasound may assist in establishing the size and location of the foetus in your uterus, as well as check for abnormalities with the placenta or amniotic fluid.
- Your physician may connect you to a monitor that assesses your contractions.
- Your physician will collect a sample of your vaginal fluid to screen for foetal fibronectin. This protein helps the amniotic sac adhere to your uterus. If it appears in your discharge, it might indicate that labour has begun.
How Do Doctors Handle Premature Labour?
If you are in preterm labour, you may require medication to delay or stop it. If labour has advanced and cannot be halted, your doctor may have to deliver the foetus early. If a foetus is born prematurely, medications may support its lungs and organs. Your provider will evaluate:- How many weeks pregnant you are
- If the foetus can be safely birthed
- You may be in early labour for a variety of reasons
How Can I Avoid Going Into Labour Early?
Although it is difficult to avoid early labour, there are certain steps you may take to reduce your chance of premature labour. You can accomplish some of the following things:- Do not smoke cigarettes, use alcohol, use recreational drugs, or misuse prescription medicines.
- Get to a healthy weight before pregnancy and gain the proper amount of weight while pregnant.
- Maintain a balanced diet and take a prenatal vitamin. Find techniques to lower or control your stress levels. Stay active by going on walks, reading literature, or taking time to unwind each day.
- Attend all prenatal checkups and arrange a cleaning with your dentist. There is a relationship between gum health and premature labour.
- Treat or manage any medical issues you may have, like hypertension, gestational diabetes, depression, or vaginal infections.
- Separate your pregnancies by at least 12 to 18 months.
When Should You Call Your Doctor About Premature Labour?
If you detect any of the following indicators of preterm labour, call your healthcare practitioner right away.- Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Contractions or cramps occurring with or without diarrhoea
- Chronic discomfort in the lower back
- Pressure on the pelvis or abdomen
- Your "water is breaking."
Preterm (or preterm) labour may result in the foetus being delivered too early. If you observe indicators of preterm labour, including contractions, increased vaginal discharge, bleeding, or pelvic discomfort, contact your physician straight away. Fortunately, there are certain things your doctor can do to delay your labour. The longer the foetus is in your uterus, the less probable it will develop health difficulties. If you are pregnant with twins or have a history of preterm labour or early delivery, you may be more likely to experience it. The best method to avoid preterm labour is to be healthy during your pregnancy and manage any pre-existing health concerns.
FAQs on What You Need to Know About Preterm Labour?
- How to stop preterm labour?
There is no guaranteed method to stop it once it begins, but if you are diagnosed with preterm labour, you will most likely be given a medicine called a tocolytic, which relaxes the uterine smooth muscle to assist delay or stop contractions. - How to prevent preterm labour?
The only thing you can do to avoid premature labour is to take care of yourself—as soon as you decide to expand your family.
