PRETERM LABOR
PROBLEM
Premature contractions and early labor put your baby at risk for premature delivery. Babies born too soon are at risk for breathing problems, bleeding into their brain, infection, and bowel problems, to name a few. Early recognition is the key to stopping premature labor and delivery.
CAUSE
There are several predisposing factors for preterm labor (PTL), including previous premature delivery, smoking, incompetent cervix, multiple gestation (twins or triplets), and infection. In most cases, the cause of PTL is unknown.
PREVENTION
You can decrease your risk for PTL by living a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, proper fluid consumption, and no smoking. Please review any previous PTL symptoms with your healthcare provider. Early recognition is a key to success.
TREATMENT PLAN
Treatment depends on the clinical picture. In general, you should remember:
A.Drink at least eight to 10 glasses of noncaffeinated liquid a day; dehydration can increase contractions.
B.Empty your bladder every 2 to 3 hours.
C.Report any bladder infection symptoms, such as burning with urination, urinary frequency, or urgency, to your healthcare provider.
D.Avoid breast stimulation (including showers where the water stream is on your breasts); this can stimulate contractions.
E.Rest frequently. Rest means lying down on either side, not on your back.
F.Contractions and cramping happen more often in the evening and nighttime after having activity during the day.
G.Do not have intercourse or sexual stimulation without asking your nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, or doctor. If intercourse is okay, use a condom to decrease the chance of infection.
H.Try to arrange for help with housework and child care to help you decrease your physical activity and avoid lifting heavy items.
I.Take medications to stop contractions as directed.
Activity: Activity at home is based on how significant your PTL has been. You should follow the following activity guidelines:
A.Avoid strenuous physical activity and exercise, especially strength training and lifting items greater than 20 pounds.
B.Avoid working more than 40 hours per week, working night shifts, prolonged standing (more than a total of eight hours or more than four continuous hours per 24-hour period), and heavy physical work, as this activity level has been variably associated with PTL and preterm birth.
C.Travel: It is unlikely that travel by car, train, or airline significantly increases the risk of PTL or preterm birth; however, you need to consider the risk of pregnancy complications away from the usual source of your medical care, as well as the availability of medical resources and your medical insurance coverage at your travel destination.
Diet: Diet as tolerated, or follow your prescribed diet. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day. Avoid beverages with caffeine. Eat fresh vegetables, fruits, and bran cereal to avoid becoming constipated.
Medications: Continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day.
You Have Been Prescribed the Following: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Contractions or cramping more frequent than four in 1 hour.
B.A gush of fluid or blood from your vagina (it is normal to have spotting after vaginal exam or intercourse).
C.Pelvic pressure or low, dull backache.
D.Noticed that your baby is not moving as much as usual: less than 10 fetal movements in 2 hours after drinking and resting on your side.
E.Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
F.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE