signs & treatment of pre-term labour
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Information on this page has been kindly provided by representatives of the National Premmie Foundation

Signs & treatment of pre-term labour
All women should be aware of the signs of pre-term labour. Even if you are not recognised as having a high risk pregnancy, you are still at risk, as many of the causes of pre-term birth are still unknown. Signs and symptoms of pre-term labour can include, but are not limited to, the following. If you experience any of these symptoms, or feel that something is "not right", seek medical advice.


  • Contractions
    Contractions that are painful or regular may be a sign of pre-term labour.

  • Ruptured Membranes
    This could mean a gush of fluid or may just be a trickle of watery fluid. This could indicate that your water has boken.


  • Cramps
    Menstual-like cramps could indicate labour.

  • Back Pain
    Pain in the lower back

  • Pressure
    A feeling of the baby pushing down, pelvic pressure.

  • Vaginal Discharge
    Leaking fluid, blood or a "show" of mucus from the vagina may indicate pre-term labour.


Treatment of Pre-term labour
If preterm labour is determined, there are a number of treatments that can be used to stop or delay the labour. These include bed rest, hydration and administration of Turbutaline or Magnesium Sulfate.

If it appears that birth is imenent and the baby is between 24 and 34 weeks gestation, a corticosteroid may be given to the mother 24 hours before birth in an attempt to increase the baby's lung and brain development.

Although bed rest, fluids and labour-inhibiting medications including steroids may be prescribed, these attempts often merely offer a short delay in the delivery to allow physicians to speed the development of the baby's lungs and, if necessary, transfer the mother to a hospital that is better equipped for premature babies, such as one with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).


References


The material provided here is for informational purposes only and should not replace, or be used as a substitute for, professional medical advice.


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