Preterm birth may be a sign of fluid or blood loss through the vagina and also uterine contractions that appear before 37 weeks of gestation . So if the pregnant woman perceives these signs, she should be alert to her body trying to identify if the symptoms remain, become worse or if others appear.
If you suspect you are entering labor early you should call your obstetrician by telling them what signs you are showing or going to the hospital as soon as possible. Often uterine contractions improve when the woman is rested, which indicates that the first signs were of a false labor, but in any case the doctor should be warned of the symptoms that she presents.
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Signs and symptoms of preterm birth
The main sign of labor is uterine contractions, which arise in the form of very severe colic affecting the lower part of the belly or at the back. See other signs that may indicate uterine contractions by clicking here.
In addition to the contractions other signs that may indicate that labor has begun are:
- Persistent pressure on the bottom of the belly;
- Increased urge to urinate;
- Gelatinous discharge that may or may not contain traces of blood.
If the woman has some of these symptoms and is still less than 37 weeks pregnant, she should go to the hospital immediately because medications can be taken that delay delivery.
Know the possible causes of premature labor by clicking here.
What to do to prevent preterm labor
To prevent preterm birth, what a pregnant woman can do throughout pregnancy is to avoid over-physical activity and follow all the guidelines the doctor gives during prenatal visits.
However, if the delivery begins before the expected time, the obstetrician may indicate the use of drugs such as corticosteroids or oxytocin antagonists, which may be used between 25 and 37 weeks of gestation. These techniques to prevent preterm birth should be made in hospital admission and applied according to the benefits to the mother and baby. Find out what the complications of premature delivery may be.
Premature babies usually need to stay in hospital until they are healthy and discharged. So here's what you can do to care for the baby while still in the hospital and also at home by clicking here.
