Know The Risks And Signs Of Preterm Labor

Know The Risks And Signs Of Preterm Labor
Preterm labor occurs when your cervix opens due to regular contractions after the 20th week and before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature birth can result from preterm labor, which may call for prompt home nursing services in Hyderabad. There are health risks if the baby is born prematurely. The earlier the premature birth, the greater the risks for the baby. Special care is required in the neonatal ICU for many premature babies. Not just that, premature babies are also prone to having long-term physical and mental disabilities.
In most cases, the particular cause of preterm labor remains unclear. Having said that, there are a few risk factors that put pregnant women at a risk for preterm labor. However, even pregnant women without any known risk factors may have to undergo preterm labor.

What are the risk factors?
Any pregnancy can be affected by preterm labor. However, several factors may increase the risk of preterm labor, such as:

Previous history of premature birth or preterm labor, especially in multiple previous pregnancies or the most recent pregnancy
Shortened cervix
Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, or more)
The interval between pregnancies is shorter than 12 months or longer than 59 months
Issues with the placenta or uterus
Smoking
Use of illicit drugs
Infections, particularly in the lower genital tract and amniotic fluid infections
Chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and autoimmune disease
Life events that have caused extreme stress, like the death of a close one
Polyhydramnios, or excessive amniotic fluid
Bleeding in the vagina during pregnancy
The mother’s age
Non-Hispanic, black ethnicity and race

What are the signs of preterm labor?
The signs and indications of preterm labor include:

Frequent or regular contractions (tightening sensation in the abdomen)
Persistent dull, low backache
Mild cramps in the abdomen
A sensation of lower abdominal or pelvic pressure
Light bleeding or vaginal spotting
Vaginal discharge changes into watery, bloody, or mucus-like.
The membrane around the baby rupturing prematurely, causing it to break or tear and resulting in a continuous trickle or gush of fluid

When to consult a doctor?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or if there is anything you are feeling that seems concerning, you should get in touch with your healthcare provider straight away. You can even avail home health care services in Hyderabad to get prompt medical assistance from the comfort of your home. You should not worry about mistaking false labor for a real one. Even if it is a false alarm, it doesn’t hurt to talk to your doctor about your concerns. You can consult a gynecologist at BirthRight by Rainbow for the best treatment.

Complications
Preterm labor comes with certain complications, which include the delivery of a preterm baby. There are various health concerns for the baby associated with preterm delivery, including low birth weight, underdeveloped organs, vision issues, and breathing troubles. Not just that, premature children are also at a higher risk of learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and learning disabilities.

Preventing preterm labor
Preventing preterm labor might not always be possible, but there’s still a lot you can do for promoting a full-term and healthy pregnancy. This includes:

Availing prenatal care regularly: Through prenatal visits, your healthcare provider will be able to monitor your baby’s health and your health as well.

Inform them about any symptoms or signs that might be concerning you. If you develop preterm labor symptoms or if you have a previous history of preterm

labor, you might have to visit your doctor more frequently.
Having a healthy diet: Good nutrition is often the primary cause of healthy pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, some research suggests that the risk of

premature birth can be lowered with a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is found in seeds, nuts, seed oils, and fish
Preventing dangerous substances: If you are a smoker, you need to quit. Illicit drugs need to be avoided as well.
Managing chronic conditions: Some conditions like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure are known to increase the risk of preterm labor. You need to

keep chronic conditions in control with the help of your healthcare provider.
In case you are suspected to have a higher risk of preterm labor, your healthcare provider might recommend that you take extra steps for reducing your risk.