During late pregnancy, expectant mothers are most concerned about signs of preterm labor. This is because preterm birth carries significant risks for both the mother and fetus. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures when early labor symptoms appear. Signs of Preterm Labor Vaginal bleeding: In miscarriages occurring within the first three months of pregnancy, bleeding begins when the chorionic villi and decidua separate, opening blood sinuses.Once the embryo is fully expelled, the uterus contracts forcefully, closing the blood sinuses and stopping the bleeding. Thus, vaginal bleeding accompanies the entire process of early miscarriage. In late miscarriage, the placenta has already formed, making the process similar to preterm labor or full-term delivery, typically involving less bleeding.
Abdominal pain: In early miscarriage, blood accumulation—especially clots—within the uterine cavity stimulates contractions, causing persistent lower abdominal pain after bleeding begins. In late miscarriage, intermittent uterine contractions precede placental detachment, resulting in abdominal pain before vaginal bleeding. This abdominal pain is also a symptom of threatened preterm labor. Both pain and bleeding are typically progressive, correlating with the clinical course and stage of the event.
Severe vomiting preventing food intake is another sign of threatened preterm labor requiring medical attention. Hyperemesis gravidarum can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, posing life-threatening risks in severe cases.
What should you do if preterm labor symptoms appear? Keep reading.
Managing Signs of Premature Labor
Stay Calm: When signs of premature labor appear, expectant mothers and family members may become anxious if unfamiliar with the situation. Therefore, if signs emerge, family should remain composed and provide a calm environment to reduce the mother's stress and stabilize her emotions. If the mother's emotions are unstable, appropriate sedatives or tranquilizers may be administered.Ensure the expectant mother rests in bed, lying on her left side.
Administer tocolytic drugs: Tocolytic therapy extends the gestational period. During this extended timeframe, medical professionals actively administer specific medications to accelerate the maturation of the fetus's lungs and other organs. This reduces the incidence of two common complications in premature infants: mortality and congenital anomalies caused by organ immaturity.
Medications to alter uterine response to stimuli and inhibit contractions. Commonly used drugs include magnesium sulfate and salbutamol. Note that treating preterm labor does not solely aim to prolong pregnancy. Close monitoring is essential during treatment. For expectant mothers with poor intrauterine conditions and risk of intrauterine fetal death, treatment should be discontinued, and pregnancy terminated as soon as possible.
Self-monitoring: If a pregnant woman experiences regular uterine contractions, it may signal preterm labor. She should check the contractions to determine if they are early signs of labor. Placing a finger on the abdomen, she can note the frequency of contractions if she feels rhythmic tightening and relaxation of the uterus. If contractions occur approximately every 10 minutes and persist regardless of position changes, she should seek immediate medical attention.
Eating Chocolate: If a pregnant woman experiences painful uterine contractions, this signals preterm labor. Since contractions exert pressure on the stomach, consuming high-energy foods like chocolate can alleviate gastric pressure and reduce discomfort. Some women request pain relief medication from their doctors, but these drugs carry side effects such as accelerated heart rate and hot flashes.Therefore, pain relief medication must be taken with caution, and expectant mothers require hospital monitoring.
Seeking Hospital Care: Upon noticing signs of preterm labor, the expectant mother must be taken to the hospital for examination as soon as possible. Upon arrival, nurses will check blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. Doctors will then use a monitor to check the baby's heart rate on the mother's abdomen, assess the contractions, and examine whether the cervix has dilated.If preterm labor is confirmed, medication will be administered to halt labor, allowing the baby more time to develop in the womb. Modern medicine can typically extend the baby's gestation period by several days. This additional time facilitates the maturation of the unborn baby's lungs. If labor has already commenced and cannot be stopped, the medical team will immediately prepare for delivery.