Question 1

how can i avoid preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

Complicated Question: Avoid preterm labor by concentrating on modifiable risk factors such as smoking, drug use, malnutrition.  Unfortunately, most risk factors for preterm birth are non-modifiable.  Talk to your doctor about your risk factors.  Options if you are at increased risk include cervical length measurements, fetal fibronectin, Progesterone treatments, hydration, bedrest.  Tocolytics may help if you are symptomatic and at risk of imminent delivery.

Question 2

what is considered a preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Preterm labor is when the uterus starts regular contractions and tries to deliver the baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy. 1 in 8-10 pregnancies are born preterm, which may cause cause problems with the baby.

Question 3

what are the signs of preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

Contractions, other: Contractions with cervical change before term define preterm labor. They can be mild or irregular, accompanied by discharge, back pain, etc. If preterm, especially with risk factors (eg, twins, diabetes), it is always appropriate to call OB or go to labor & delivery asap. An evaluation by physician is needed. Sometimes a transfer to a perinatal center is required, and it can take time to mobilize.

Question 4

what happens if i go into preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If you act quickly and do not rupture your membranes, the doc can stop your labor with meds and give baby more time to develop. If you do nothing, you will go into labor early and likely end up with a baby in intensive care.

Question 5

how can i tell if this is preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

Be suspicious!: First baby?
Expected when?
Some cramping- contractions do come and go!
you have some time to be observant, and call OB to alert them.

Question 6

can eating cornstarch cause preterm labor ?

Accepted Answer

No: Think of corn starch as ground-up corn, potato starch as ground-up potatoes, and rice flour as ground-up rice. Eating any of such starches as part of one's healthy diet does not change one's chances of going into preterm labor. Likewise, omitting one or more types of flour or starch does not increase or decrease the likelihood of a preterm delivery. People should eat a balanced, healthy diet.

Question 7

what are the risk factors for preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

Many: There are many risk factors for preterm birth. The best predictor is a previous preterm delivery with a  prior pregnancy. Other risk factors include multiple gestation, short cervix, cigarette smoking, being a teenager, short interval between pregnancies, drug use, poor nutrition and being underweight or very overweight.

Question 8

how to tell if i am going into preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

Preterm labor: The best way to tell, is by a cervical check and toco monitoring. This can be performed in the doctors office or in the hospital.

Question 9

i don't understand why i went into preterm labor again?

Accepted Answer

PreTerm Labor: We don't know the reason for ptl but if you had one ptl then you are at risk for this to happen again.  Hope this helps.

Question 10

is it possible to go into preterm labor for a second time?

Accepted Answer

Very  much so: Women who experience preterm labor with one pregnancy likely have a combination of factors which make them susceptible to this. If they are pregnant again, their risk for preterm labor again is increased 2 to 3 times!  Risk factors: age, multiple pregnancies, uterine abnormalities, drug (tobacco/alcohol/illicit) use, short interval between pregnancies, poor weight gain during pregnancy.

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Doctor answers about:

Preterm labor medication

A member asked:

How can i avoid preterm labor?

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What is considered a preterm labor?

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What are the signs of preterm labor?

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What happens if i go into preterm labor?

A member asked:

How can i tell if this is preterm labor?

A member asked:

Can eating cornstarch cause preterm labor ?

A member asked:

What are the risk factors for preterm labor?

A member asked:

How to tell if i am going into preterm labor?

A member asked:

I don't understand why i went into preterm labor again?

A member asked:

Is it possible to go into preterm labor for a second time?

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