Top Signs of Preterm Labor and Coping With Preterm Birth

According to recent statistics, African American women are 50% more likely to have a preterm or premature baby than other ethnicities.

While the causes behind this frightening data haven’t been clearly identified, it’s certainly a sign that every woman needs to know how to handle this event if it were to happen. 

Other Factors That Influence Preterm Labor

Apart from ethnicity, a few other factors can increase your risk of going into preterm labor. These factors include:

• Prior preterm labor or birth
• Having a shortened cervix
• Being pregnant with multiples
• Certain infections
• Being a younger or older mom
• The time span between pregnancies – less than 12 months or more than 5 years
• Smoking
• Drug use
• Having too much amniotic fluid
• Issues with the uterus or placenta
• Incidents of vaginal bleeding during the pregnancy
• Chronic illnesses or disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and autoimmune conditions.

With such varying risk factors, it’s vital that you give your doctor a detailed account of any past pregnancies as well as any new issues that might have arisen since becoming pregnant.

In some cases, it’s possible to prevent preterm labor through treatments and strict monitoring. 

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Typical Signs of Preterm Labor

Despite being cautious and being monitored, preterm labor can still occur. When that happens, make sure you contact your doctor quickly. It’s better to be safe and get the right course of treatment.

Sometimes, there are measures that can be taken to delay delivery a bit. If nothing can be done, at least your baby will be delivered safely. Here are the signs to bear in mind.

• Frequent and worsening contractions
• A constant ache in the lower back that doesn’t ease when you change positions
• Cramping in the lower abdomen that may be accompanied by diarrhea
• Pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen
• Spotting or bleeding
• A change in your vaginal discharge or mucus
• Vomiting and nausea or general flu-like symptoms
• Fluid leaking from the vagina or a gush of fluid

Since preterm labor can happen anywhere between 20 and 37 weeks, doctors recommend keeping in touch no matter how minor the signs may seem. 

What To Expect After a Preterm Birth

When preterm labor continues your doctor will have to prepare to take care of your baby. Depending on how early into the pregnancy you’ve delivered, one thing you can expect is that your baby will be much smaller than anticipated. Preterm babies generally weigh between 1 and 3 kilograms at birth. Their features also won’t be as clearly defined as a baby that was born full-term.

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Since they’re not as fully developed as doctors would like, preterm babies will need to be specially cared for until it’s safe to bring them home. During that time, they will likely need certain machines to help them breathe properly, keep warm, and get the nutrition that’s required.

It might be a little stressful to see your little one like this but know that everything is working to get you both home safely.

One thing that can help you to bond with your baby is letting them feel your touch consistently. While you’re talking with the doctors about your baby’s health, don’t be afraid to ask them how you can touch or even hold your baby. It might not happen immediately but a parent’s touch does a lot for keeping a preterm baby healthy. 

Once your baby has reached an appropriate weight, has shown signs of maintaining the right temperature, and can eat well, it will be time to go home. That doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods, though. Preterm babies can be more prone to breathing problems, having trouble sleeping, certain infections, and not feeding as well as they should. If any of these happen, you’ll need to contact the doctor immediately. 

Pregnancies come with many uncertainties and preterm labor is one of them. While there are risk factors, it’s possible for anyone to experience early labor and delivery. It’s best to take careful note of the signs and keep in constant touch with your doctor so steps can be taken quickly.