10 things to know about Premature Labor

1. Premature or preterm labor begins prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. There are regular and painful contractions that cause a change in the cervical exam.
2. One in eight or 12% of births in the United States are preterm. Preterm babies are at risk for brain, breathing, and digestive problems, and even death in the first few days of life. They also are at risk later in life for delayed development and learning problems. The more preterm the baby, the more likely they are to encounter serious problems.
3. Contractions that do not change the cervix are called preterm contractions and may not need to be treated unless the contractions are very frequent and strong.
4. No one knows why preterm labor occurs. 50% of women with preterm labor do not have any risk factors. Stress, infection, smoking and drug use may play a role.
5. Risks of preterm labor include:
   • Prior delivery of a preterm infant
   • Twins, triplets or more
   • Uterine or cervical problems
   • Placental problems such as placenta previa and abruption
   • Sexually transmitted disease such as Chlamydia
   • Severe infections
6. Call your doctor or go to the hospital if you have these signs of premature labor:
   • Contractions - intermittent pain or tightening of the abdomen
   • Menstrual-like cramping
   • Low backache
   • Low pelvic pressure
   • Gas-type pain in the abdomen with or without diarrhea
   • Vaginal spotting or bleeding
   • Increased vaginal discharge or watery discharge
7. Drugs commonly used in preterm labor are:
   • Magnesium sulfate given intravenously to stop preterm labor
   • Corticosteroids given intramuscularly 24 hours prior to delivery to help baby's lungs to mature
   • If you have a history of premature delivery, progesterone 17P may help prevent premature birth. Consult with your doctor.
8. Preterm labor may result in preterm delivery:
   • Most babies born prior to 24 weeks have little chance of survival.
   • 50% of babies born at 24 weeks can survive, 50% can have permanent problems related to prematurity.
   • Most babies born after 32 weeks do well in the nursery and usually do not have long term complications.
9. Babies born at hospitals with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) fare better than those born at hospitals without NICU.
10. Women in preterm labor are sometimes placed on prolonged bed rest at home or in the hospital until their pregnancy further progresses.