Preterm Labor or premature labor is a condition where your body gets prepared to give birth before time. In case, you see the pain before three weeks before your due date; it is called Preterm Labor or premature labor.
Preterm Labor or premature labor results in an early birth. There are different signs of preterm labor, and if you see any similar signs, you must consult your doctor immediately. Nowadays, doctors can delay early deliveries so that the child can avoid life-threatening health problems in near future. If you are wondering what the symptoms are of preterm labor; then this article is sure to help you to get an idea on the same.
Symptoms of Preterm Labor
You can identify the signs of preterm labor from different symptoms, and it depends from person to person. Usually, preterm labor begins 37 weeks prior to pregnancy; so if you feel any changing trends you should visit a doctor. You may also notice some additional signs like coughing and rashes on the skin. Some people also report a dizzy feeling or a sore throat too. If you notice similar signs, we recommend you to take the necessary actions. Some common signs of preterm labor include,
- You can feel a pressure in your lower belly or pelvis. It feels like the baby is pushing down and it causes pain
- You also notice increased vaginal discharge (watery, mucus or blood) than usual
- Many people report a dull backache during preterm labor. You are likely to feel low throughout this period
- You can notice contractions in your belly, but it won’t give you much pain
- Your water breaks during this period
- People also report belly cramps with or without diarrhea
- Vaginal bleeding is also another sign of preterm labor
- Vomiting or nausea can result in some cases. You should contact your physician in such cases.
Risk factors for premature labor
Numerous things often enhance the risk of preterm labor, and you should keep an eye on the risk factors too. If you take care of the risk factors, you can control it effectively. The risk factors are listed below:
- Excessive weight or underweight before pregnancy can increase the chances of preterm labor.
- Avoid smoking during your pregnancy. It can adversely affect your health.
- We also recommend you to avoid consumption of alcohol and street drugs during this period.
- You should be under good prenatal care
- Specific health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, infections or blood clotting disorders often increase the risk of preterm labor
- Being pregnant with multiple babies
- Being pregnant with a baby who has some birth defects
- Getting pregnant just after giving birth to a baby
- Personal or family history of preterm labor or premature labor
Checking the contractions
It is very important to check the contractions so that you can identify premature labor in an effective way. If you don’t know to check it, here’s how to do it on your own;
- At first, you have to place the fingertips on your abdomen
- Now feel it, if you notice your uterus softening and tightening, it might be a sign of premature labor.
- It will be very helpful for the doctor to diagnose the problem if you write down the timings of contractions.
- There are different ways to stop it. You can try sitting in a different position or get off your feet. Drink a glass of water, and we hope it will work.
- Sometimes the contractions can return in a while, and you should instantaneously contact the doctor if it returns and gets worse. It is important to remember that women sometimes go through harmless false labor called Braxton Hicks contractions. It is not associated with premature labor, but if you have doubts, you should get proper medical assistance.
Treatments
Nowadays there are different treatments available for premature labor, and it includes, antibiotics, medicine to relax and stop labor, IV fluids, and medication for the development of your baby’s lungs or admission to the hospital.
In case of extreme condition, you should visit the nearest hospital or clinic where the doctor is available. You have to provide medical history and medicines, and they will check up the blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. They will also check the contractions and the heart rate of your baby.
Nowadays, it is very easy to identify the signs of preterm labor. The progress of modern medical science and techniques has blessed it with numerous groundbreaking discoveries, and now it is possible to delay an early delivery. So we recommend you to stay calm and contact your physician in case of any doubts. You can also write us back to share your experiences to get our professional assistance.
