Question 1

how early do they try to stop preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

About 22+ weeks: After 22+ weeks of gestation many ob's will attempt to use tocolytics to stop labor, especially if the mother has had repeat pregnancy losses. Viability of a live fetus however is dependant upon the nicu of the hospital and its' care until the fetal lungs are mature enough to breathe and survive once pre-term delivery occurs.

Question 2

can heavy lifting cause water broke early or can it cause preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Though unlikely i don't recommend weight lifting of heavy weights in pregnancy.  I doubt it could cause preterm labor, but i still don't recommend it.

Question 3

can infection of the placenta cause water to break early or preterm labor at 21 weeks?

Accepted Answer

Possible: One of the more common causes of preterm premature rupture of membranes is infection, such as chorioamnionitis (infection of the placenta).

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

what are the chances of bv leads preterm labor?

Accepted Answer

BV: a study was done in 2000 on the pregnant women with diagnosis of BV, they randomized them into 2 groups, one received treatment for BV and the other group didn't, the outcome was the same in both groups, BV didn't increase the risk of Pre-term labor.

Question 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

What is early onset of labor

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How early do they try to stop preterm labor?

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Can heavy lifting cause water broke early or can it cause preterm labor?

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Can infection of the placenta cause water to break early or preterm labor at 21 weeks?

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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 are the risk factors for preterm labor?

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What are the chances of bv leads preterm labor?

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What happens if i go into preterm labor?

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How can i avoid preterm labor?

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How can i tell if this is preterm labor?

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