Best Way to Avoid Preterm Labor

It’s common for expectant mothers to deny that they’re having a prob­lem because they aren’t physically uncomfortable or because they fear being perceived as too anxious. Many expectant mothers did not know what was going on with her body, but they did recognize that what she thought were somersaults were a new sen­sation. As time went on, they realized that the sensation was not going away and was occurring more often. Their need to protect their pregnancy overcame their need to deny the symptoms, and they sought help.

As expectant parents, you can play a significant role in prevent­ing the premature birth of your baby. There are a variety of med­ical treatments for preterm labor, depending upon the condition of baby and mother. In most cases, the success of these treatments is influenced by the early detection of preterm labor.

Here are some simple ways to try to avoid preterm labor:

•  Learn the signs and symptoms of preterm labor.
•  Be sensitive to changes in your body that may be signs or symp­toms of preterm labor.
•  Notify yourOBprovider as soon as possible. When they know about possible preterm labor events, they can take measures to prevent a premature birth.
•  Drink at least 64 ounces (eight cups) of water per day to prevent dehydration.
•  Ask your partner to watch for any changes in your comfort level that you are getting enough fluids, and whether you’re stressed or overdoing things.
•  Begin to palpate or feel for contractions as early as 20 week into the pregnancy. (Your partner can also palpate.)
•  If you experience four or more contractions an hour, call your doctor or midwife unless directed to do something else.

In fact, if you’ve had an episode of preterm labor or preterm contractions, you are more likely to have more before you deliver your baby. You’ll be more prepared the second time around. You’ll know how your body feels when having contractions, know the signs and symptoms of preterm labor, and you may know what usually causes and relieves these contractions and other symptoms.

We recommend keeping a record of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has several episodes of preterm labor, you can keep a contrac­tion log, a list of any medications you’re taking to stop contractions, what your doctor has told you about your cervical changes, and the dates of any hospitalizations. You can help yourself through this some­times frightening and trying time by focusing on your goal—getting your baby as close as possible to full term, or 37 weeks.

If at any time you feel you need to be seen or your symptoms are frightening you, call yourOBprovider and insist on being seen. Your instincts are usually very reliable.