OBSTETRIC CONDITIONS
Preterm Labor
Preterm labor is defined as labor that occurs prior to the 37th week of pregnancy . About 1 in 10 babies in the United States is born prematurely . The earlier the delivery of a premature infant , the more likely it is to have serious problems . Delivery can sometimes be delayed using medicines known as tocolytics . Prolonging the pregnancy even one day can benefit the baby .
While the exact cause of preterm labor is unknown , the following risk factors have been identified :
• Preterm labor with a previous pregnancy or previously during this pregnancy
• Multiple gestation
• Abnormal uterus or cervix
• Serious infections during this pregnancy
• Low maternal pre-pregnancy weight
• Smoking or drug use
• Limited or no prenatal care
• Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
In most cases of premature labor , there is no obvious reason . Fortunately , UAB has a Level 4 Regional Newborn Intensive Care Unit ( RNICU ) that cares for premature infants as young as 23 weeks . Premature infants are at risk for complications , but the risk of these conditions decreases as your pregnancy advances . Babies born before 28 weeks face the most challenges and are at the highest risk of serious complications . Babies born at 28-34 weeks often require prolonged hospitalization and expert neonatal care . Corticosteroids given to babies at less than 37 weeks have been shown to be beneficial .
It is very difficult to distinguish between true and false labor . Preterm labor can be diagnosed with certainty only by finding dilation and effacement of the cervix . As your pregnancy progresses , it is very common for you to have irregular contractions that do not affect the cervix . These are called “ Braxton-Hicks ” contractions .
Some warning signs of true preterm labor include :
• Heavy , watery vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
• Constant backache
• Regular contractions
If you have any of the above signs , we ask that you call the MEU at 205-975-6105 . uabmedicine . org 71