Ask the Expert Submit your question > Symptoms of preterm laborQ: What to do if you have symptoms of preterm labor? A: Call your health care provider or go to the hospital right away if you think you are having preterm labor. Your provider may tell you to:
If the symptoms get worse, or don't go away after one hour, call your health care provider again or go to the hospital. If the symptoms go away, take it easy for the rest of the day. If the symptoms stop but come back, call your health care provider again or go to the hospital. When you call your provider, be sure to tell the person on the phone that you are concerned about the possibility of preterm labor. The only way your provider can know if preterm labor is starting is by doing an internal examination of your cervix (the bottom of your uterus). If your cervix is opening up (dilating), preterm labor could be beginning. You and your health care provider are a team, working together to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. Your team works best when both of you participate fully, so your knowledge about preterm labor can be essential in helping to prevent a preterm birth. Talk to your health care provider about all of this, and be sure to keep all of your prenatal care appointments. Preterm birth is one of the complications of pregnancy that health care providers are working hard to eliminate. Your participation in this effort is just as important as theirs! — Courtesy of the March of Dimes Complications in the premature newbornQ: What complications do pre-term babies face? A: Some premature babies face serious complications, including:
— Courtesy of the March of Dimes Submit your question >You must be a registered community member of YourBabyYourWay.com to submit a question to one of our experts. If selected, your question will be answered by one of our experts and be published on YourBabyYourWay.com. Join now > Read more Q&AsPreconception Questions > Visit the Ask the Expert archive > |
|
Blessings of Birth Doula & Childbirth Services—“Where Moms are Pampered.” Tina Black, Certified Doula & Childbirth Educator. Offering childbirth classes, birth doula services, breastfeeding assistance and more. (Kelso | 360-431-8275) |