Preterm labor is defined as any childbirth that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy. Most babies born before the 24th week do not survive. However, babies born between weeks 24 and 37 have a good chance of survival with proper medical care, though they may not be as healthy as babies born at full term. In this comprehensive article, we will discuss preterm labor, its complications, ways to prevent it, and its symptoms. Stay with us to learn more.
Preterm Labor Meaning
Premature labor is when regular contractions cause the cervix to open before the 37th week of pregnancy. If a pregnancy ends before this point, it is called preterm labor, and the baby is considered premature. However, having preterm labor pain does not necessarily mean the baby will be born prematurely. More than half of women who have signs of preterm labor still give birth after 37 weeks.
Preterm Labor Meaning
Preterm labor may result in serious health complications or even be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby.
In general, a baby’s development continues until birth, which increases their chances of survival and good health. However, premature babies are at risk for breathing difficulties, brain hemorrhages, nervous system disorders, digestive issues, infections, and jaundice.
In some cases, surviving a premature birth can result in long-term health problems, such as chronic lung disease, hearing and vision impairments, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays.
Preterm Labor Weeks
Preterm labor occurs when a baby is born before reaching 37 weeks of pregnancy. A full-term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, so babies born earlier may face health challenges. The earlier a baby is born the greater the risks.
Late preterm babies are born between 34 and 36 weeks, while very preterm babies arrive before 32 weeks. Babies born before 28 weeks are called extremely preterm and need special medical care. Doctors try to delay early labor when possible to give the baby more time to grow inside the womb.
Preterm Labor Signs
The symptoms of preterm labor include:
- Lower back pain, usually in the lower part of the back. It may be constant or come and go, but it does not ease with movement or other relief methods.
- Uterine contractions occur every 10 minutes or more frequently, increasing in intensity over time.
- Cramping in the lower abdomen, similar to menstrual cramps.
- Fluid leakage from the vagina.
- Increased pressure on the pelvis or vagina.
- An increase in vaginal discharge.
- Vaginal bleeding, even if it is light.
Sign of Preterm Labor
Preterm Labor Risk Factors
In about half of all cases, the exact cause of preterm labor is unknown. However, if a woman has had a previous preterm birth, she is at a higher risk of experiencing it again. Other factors that can increase the likelihood of preterm labor include:
- High blood pressure during pregnancy or preeclampsia
- Chronic illnesses, such as kidney disease, heart disease, or diabetes
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, or more)
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities
- Pregnancy before age 17 or after age 35
- Infections
- Severe underweight during pregnancy
- Smoking
- History of miscarriage or abortion
- Lack of proper prenatal care
- Cervical infections
- Physically demanding jobs
- High levels of stress, such as domestic violence or the loss of a loved one
- Physical injury or trauma
Additional Preterm Labor Causes
Other factors that could be associated with preterm labor include:
- Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy
- Carrying twins or multiples
- Short intervals between pregnancies (It is recommended to wait 18 to 24 months between pregnancies.)
- Poor nutrition before and during pregnancy
- Conceiving through in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy
- Certain infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Exposure to harmful chemicals, such as paint, air pollution, or lead
- Previous preterm birth
- Abnormalities in the uterus
- Weak cervix
- Standing for long periods at work
Preterm Labor Causes
Preterm Labor Precaution
Although medical advancements have significantly improved the survival rates of preterm infants, there are still limited medical interventions to completely prevent preterm labor. This is because doctors do not fully understand all the causes of preterm birth.
However, this does not mean that expectant mothers cannot take steps to reduce their risk. Even if you are not at high risk, the following strategies can help keep your baby in the womb until the appropriate time for birth:
Avoid conceiving within 18 months of a previous birth: Waiting at least one year, or ideally 18 months, before the next pregnancy can significantly lower the risk of preterm labor.
Attend regular prenatal checkups: Routine visits to your doctor allow for early detection of any signs of preterm labor, ensuring timely intervention. Your doctor can also educate you about risk factors and ways to manage them.
Control modifiable risk factors: Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption, and taking non-prescribed medications. Managing conditions like diabetes can also reduce the risk of preterm labor.
Maintain a healthy weight: Both excessive weight gain and being underweight can increase the likelihood of preterm labor. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy may lead to gestational diabetes, a known risk factor while being underweight also heightens the risk.
Take prenatal vitamins as prescribed: Daily intake of prenatal vitamins, as advised by your doctor, enhances overall health and reduces the chances of preterm birth. Research suggests that folic acid plays a key role in preventing preterm labor.
Follow a nutritious diet during pregnancy: Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients benefits you and your baby while lowering the risk of preterm birth. Studies indicate that consuming adequate omega-3 fatty acids (found in nuts and olives) may reduce this risk. Additionally, calcium (from dairy products) and vitamin C (from citrus fruits) are beneficial.
Preterm Labor Precaution
Increase the number of meals: Pregnant women should aim for at least five meals per day to maintain stable energy and nutrient levels.
Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day (at least once every hour). Dehydration can trigger premature uterine contractions, increasing the risk of preterm labor.
Maintain good oral hygiene: Take care of your teeth and gums, as gum disease has been linked to pregnancy complications.
Avoid holding in urine: Delaying urination can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), which may increase the risk of preterm labor. Always empty your bladder when needed.
Preterm Labor Treatment
In the first days and weeks after birth, a preterm infant receives specialized care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Monitors and medical devices continuously track the baby’s heart rate, breathing, and blood oxygen levels to ensure their stability.
Feeding Support
Many preterm infants cannot feed by mouth because they have not yet developed the ability to suck or swallow properly. These babies receive nutrition through Intravenous (IV) feeding, delivering essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream.
A feeding tube is inserted through the nose or mouth into the stomach, allowing them to receive breast milk or formula.
Preterm Labor Treatment
Breathing Support
Because a preterm infant’s lungs may not be fully developed, they often require assistance with breathing. Depending on their level of respiratory function, different methods may be used:
- Ventilator (mechanical breathing machine): This device pumps air in and out of the lungs, simulating natural breathing for babies who cannot breathe on their own.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A mild airflow system that keeps the baby’s airways open to assist breathing.
- Oxygen Hood: A clear plastic hood is placed over the baby’s head to provide extra oxygen.
Final Word
A wide range of risk factors and underlying conditions can increase the likelihood of preterm labor. Following a healthy lifestyle and some medical interventions may help prevent the birth of a preterm baby. However, if your baby is born early, do not worry. Fortunately, there are many ways to prepare your baby for life outside the womb. If you experience or notice any symptoms of preterm labor, it is important to consult a gynecologist or an obstetrician as soon as possible to prevent potential risks. You can always access phone consultations with a gynecologist from anywhere at any time.
