Although many expectant mothers are more than ready to deliver their babies after months of being pregnant, having a premature labor is one reality that can be the most frightening. Premature labors can be hazardous to both mother and child and can result in lifelong health problems for the baby. However there are signs and steps that can be followed to prevent the chance for a premature labor to occur.
A premature labor happens when a woman has to give birth three or more weeks before the actual due date. Premature labor occurs in about 12% of all pregnancies. A typical pregnancy should last 40 weeks. While no one knows exactly what causes premature labor, there are some conditions that can be associated with an early birth. Women with a prior history of premature labor:
- smoking,
- drinking alcohol and substance abuse during pregnancy,
- high blood pressure,
- carrying more than one baby,
- premature rupture of the membranes,
- uterine infection,
- problems with the cervix
These are all common signs of someone who is at risk for premature labor.
Other preexisting medical conditions that can increase the chances for premature labor are:
- infection with a fever of more than 101 degrees during pregnancy,
- bladder or kidney infections,
- urinary tract infections,
- sexually transmitted diseases,
- being underweight or overweight during pregnancy,
- chronic illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease.
If you suffer from any of those conditions, see your doctor often and it goes without saying that those who drink, smoke or do drugs while pregnant should stop immediately. Aside from suffering from one of these conditions, there are also common signs you can look for that can help you figure out if you are going into premature labor:
- if your water has broken,
- if you have four or more contractions within a one-hour period,
- if you experience any vaginal bleeding,
- a sensation of pressure in your abdomen, thighs, rectum or vagina,
- if you notice a change in your vaginal discharge,
- or if you experience a constant pain in your lower back that goes towards your uterus.
To check your contractions, lie down and use your fingertips to feel your uterus as it tightens and softens. When a contraction hits, your abdomen will feel hard all over and not just in one area. Call your doctor immediately if you think you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms. If you think you are undergoing a premature labor, empty your bladder by going to the bathroom, avoid lying flat on your back (this can increase contractions), drink several glasses of water to avoid dehydration, which can cause contractions, lie down with your body tilted towards your left side, and monitor your contractions for one hour by counting the time that passes from the beginning of one contraction to the next.
The best way to avoid a premature labor is to eat healthy, avoid physically strenuous work and stress, pay attention to your body and learn the signs of pre-term labor.
Keeping in constant communication with your doctor can also help you in case you end up going into premature labor. Most pre-term labor is treated with medication, monitoring and restrictions on daily activities. When a premature labor is caught early on, the chances of survival for the baby increase.
