Many factors have been associated with an increased risk of preterm labor, however, including:. Complications of preterm labor include delivering a preterm baby. This can pose a number of health concerns for your baby, such as low birth weight, breathing difficulties, underdeveloped organs and vision problems.
Children who are born prematurely also have a higher risk of cerebral palsy, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. You might not be able to prevent preterm labor — but there's much you can do to promote a healthy, full-term pregnancy. For example:. If your health care provider determines that you're at increased risk of preterm labor, he or she might recommend taking additional steps to reduce your risk. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Preterm labor occurs when regular contractions result in the opening of your cervix after week 20 and before week 37 of pregnancy.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lockwood CJ. Preterm labor: Clinical findings, diagnostic evaluation, and initial treatment. Accessed Oct. About 8 out of babies will be born prematurely. The midwife or hospital will offer checks, tests and monitoring to find out whether:. These may include a vaginal examination, blood test, urine test and cardiotocography to record contractions and the baby's heartbeat.
They'll need to check you and your baby to find out whether you're in labour and discuss your care choices with you. In some cases, pre-term labour is planned and induced because it's safer for the baby to be born sooner rather than later. This could be because of a health condition in the mother such as pre-eclampsia or in the baby. Your midwife and doctor will discuss with you the benefits and risks of continuing with the pregnancy versus your baby being born premature.
You can still make a birth plan and discuss your wishes with your birth partner, midwife and doctor. If your waters have broken called preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes, P-PROM , there's an increased risk of infection for you and your baby. You'll be offered:. P-PROM does not definitely mean you're going into labour but you may be advised to stay in hospital for a few days. When you go home, you'll be advised to call your midwife or maternity unit immediately if:.
If your pre-term labour is planned or unplanned or if your waters have broken prematurely, you may be offered steroid injections. Your midwife or doctor should discuss with you the symptoms of pre-term labour and offer checks to see if you're in labour.
These checks can include asking you about your medical and pregnancy history, and about possible labour signs, such as:. You may be offered a vaginal examination, and your pulse, blood pressure and temperature may also be checked. Your midwife or doctor will also check your baby. Pregnancy produces many physical changes. Aside from weight and body shape, other alterations in your body chemistry and function take place. Learn more. Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes occurs in about 7 percent of all pregnancies. Domestic violence is the most common health problem among women during pregnancy. It greatly threatens both the mother's and baby's health. Learn more here. It is important to get the nutrients you need both before getting pregnant and during your pregnancy. Find more nutrition information including macros here. Most women can, and should, engage in moderate exercise during pregnancy.
Exercise can help you stay in shape and prepare your body for labor and delivery. Commonly asked questions regarding Prenatal Tests including, types available, positive screenings, diagnostic testing, health insurance coverage, and more.
If you are pregnant, we recommend you be tested for the human immunodeficiency virus HIV even if you do not think you are at risk. The pregnancy may alter how a woman and her partner feel about making love, and differences in sexual need may arise. While pregnant, it is best to eat well, stay healthy and avoid ingesting anything that might be harmful to the mother's or baby's health. If you give birth to a boy, you will be asked if you'd like him circumcised.
This is a matter to be considered carefully before the baby is born. Get ready for the baby! Choose from a variety of classes that prepare moms and partners for pregnancy, birth, baby care, breastfeeding and parenting. Get support for all your breastfeeding needs. Troubleshoot with a lactation consultant, find equipment and supplies, join a support group and more.
Access free health resources here, from classes and webinars to support groups and medical referrals, plus pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding services. Patient Education. Related Conditions. What is Premature Labor?
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