Stay alert to the symptoms of preterm labor

Because one out of every 10 babies in the United States is born prematurely all pregnant women need to know the signs of preterm labor.

The earlier the baby is born, the greater the risk of a problem. Premature infants can have lung problems as well as long-term complications such as learning and behavior problems and trouble with sight, hearing, and breathing.

Who is at risk for premature labor?

Women younger than age 17 or older than 35
Women who have had preterm labor or premature birth before
Women carrying more than one baby
Women who have defects in the uterus or abdominal surgery during pregnancy
Those who have had bleeding in mid-pregnancy or infection
Those with placenta previa, high blood pressure or other chronic illness
Women who weigh less than 100 pounds
Pregnancies in which the fetus has a birth defect or in which there is too much amniotic fluid
Women whose water breaks prematurely
Women who have had more than three abortions

Know the signs

Call your doctor right away if you have one or more of the following signs of preterm labor:

An increase or change in the type or amount of vaginal discharge. Particularly watch for watery discharge or bloody with mucus.
Pressure in your lower abdomen or pelvis area (feels like baby is pressing down)
Low, dull backache (constant or occasional)
Mild abdominal cramping without diarrhea (constant or occasional)
Regular or frequent contractions or uterine tightening. This can be painless.
Ruptured membranes, or the breaking of water

An examination of your cervix is the only way to tell if you are really in preterm labor, so don't hesitate to call your provider. Fetal monitoring tests are often used to record the baby's heartbeat and the contractions of your uterus. An ultrasound may also be used to estimate the size and age of the baby and to gauge its position in your uterus.

Under certain conditions your vaginal discharge may be checked for a substance called fibronectin. A normal amount of this substance can eliminate the possibility of early labor within the next two weeks.

Can preterm labor be prevented?

There are ways to stop preterm laobr. You might have to:

Go on bed rest, avoid heavy lifting, cut down on travel
Take extra fluids either orally or through an IV and eat particularly nutritious meals
Take medications
Visit your doctor more frequently

There are a variety of medications used to stop preterm labor. Some of these medications are called tocolytics and they can cause such side effects as:

Quick pulse
Chest pressure or pain
Dizziness or headache
Feeling of warmth, shakiness, or nervousness

The lungs of a premature baby may not be well developed or properly coated with a necessary substance called surfactant. You may be given a medication called a corticosteroid to increase the amount of surfactant. This will help the baby's lungs mature, reduce bleeding, and give the baby a better chance of survival.