Three categories of women are most prone to preterm labor: those carrying twins or multiples, those with a history of preterm birth, and those with certain uterine or cervical conditions causing premature cervical dilation during pregnancy. Additional risk factors include IVF conception, less than one month between deliveries and subsequent pregnancies, or inadequate prenatal care. Medical professionals also note that women under 17 or over 35 at conception face significantly higher preterm birth risks.
Do You Know the Signs of Premature Birth? (Public Health Network)
How to Reduce the Risk of Premature Birth?
Beyond taking every precaution, you can consult a doctor before conception. They will screen for conditions that may lead to premature birth—such as hypertension or diabetes—and assess whether these conditions are adequately managed for pregnancy.Maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy is also crucial, as both overweight and underweight women face increased risks of preterm birth.
If you are already pregnant, attend prenatal checkups regularly to detect any conditions early, such as urinary tract infections. Additionally, focus on balanced nutrition and moderate weight gain—studies show that steady weight gain is associated with lower preterm birth rates.
Preterm Labor Screening and Management
If you exhibit signs of preterm labor, your healthcare provider will conduct examinations, such as checking for cervical dilation,a sign that labor is starting. Alternatively, they may perform a vaginal test to measure levels of fibronectin, which helps determine if the fetus is reaching the cervix. This protein typically appears only during the first 22 weeks of pregnancy or 1-3 weeks before delivery. If detected between 22 and 34 weeks, it indicates a potential risk of preterm labor.These medications can delay labor by 2-7 days. If preterm labor occurs before 34 weeks, your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung development and reduce the risk of neonatal complications. However, if preterm labor symptoms appear after 34 weeks, doctors generally do not recommend delaying delivery, as babies born at this stage can typically thrive with careful medical care.
Recognizing Signs of Premature Labor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Contractions occurring every 10 minutes or more frequently
Changes in vaginal discharge color or vaginal bleeding
Back pain
Abdominal cramping (not necessarily accompanied by diarrhea)