Further Information Columnists Contribute Articles Links Contact Us Advertise Privacy Policy Disclaimer

Concerned about pre-term labour

Dear Anai,

I want to know some info on pre term labour. I'm 6 months pregnant right now and want to prepared if something happens if or when I'm faced with the possibility of pre term labour. Thank you!!!

Crissy from New Mexico

Answer:

Pre-term labour happens when a woman begins having contractions or goes right into labour/delivery three weeks or more before her expected due date (EDD). There are a few causes of pre-term labour that you should know of:

• If you have a history of early contractions or complications
• If you have a history of delivering your last baby or babies pre-maturely
• If you are carrying twins, triplets, or more. You have a higher risk of pre-mature labour.

If you live or work in a stressful environment. Pregnancy is an important time in your life. Choose your work wisely. Make sure you are in a happy and safe environment. Take breathing and relaxation classes to help you cope with stressful events or situations around you.

If you have a vaginal or cervical infection that went unnoticed or was not treated effectively. Always finish the medication given to you as instructed by your doctor. If you are on a series of anti-biotics for an infection, finish them even if you are feeling better. Always direct any questions you may have immediately to your doctor to prevent a potential chemical threat to your unborn baby for example. And lastly, never take old medication you have laying around or a friend's medication to treat the same condition. Only your doctor can prescribe exactly what is needed during your pregnancy and always.

If you drink alcohol, smoke, or dabble in recreational drugs you are at a risk of going into pre-term labour. Women who are reading this who have recently discovered they are pregnant and currently drink, smoke or do drugs should know they are risking their baby's weight, current and future mental status, and life. Stopping right away could save your baby's life.

If you are bleeding. Any sign of bright red bleeding should be looked into immediately without question. There are times this may be nothing, but taking that risk is not worth it in the long run. Seek medical treatment as soon as you notice any bleeding or gush of watery fluid from the vagina.

If you have a history of three or more abortion or miscarriages that involved D & C. The reason the risks for pre-term labour are so high with D & C is that it can weaken the cervix, causing full term pregnancy to become more difficult.

If you have had two or more urinary or bladder infections during this particular pregnancy, you are also at risk for pre-term labour.

Signs That You Are Approaching Pre-Term

Labour Signs that you may need to get to hospital to prevent pre-term labour include:

• Gush of fluid, whether watery or bloody discharge is present
• Lower back pain, that is dull
• Feelings of your period coming on. These cramps may or may not last.
• Contractions that are 4 to 6 within 60 minutes.
• Pressure on pelvis: Feel like baby's head or body is weighing down on the pelvic area.

Drinking plenty of water reduces contractions, and in some cases stops them altogether. If you have any of the symptoms above, make sure to call your doctor right away. If your doctor is unavailable or your are calling after hours, ask someone to drive you to the nearest emergency room.

Copyright ©1998 Anai Rhoads.