Experiencing contractions too early in your pregnancies can be frightening, but they don't always mean you're in labor.If you are having Braxton-Hicks contractions, there are measures you can take to ease your pain.Symptoms of preterm labor could cause your baby to be born premature, so you need to act fast.Premature labor can happen in women with healthy pregnancies, even if they have a riskier one.If you are worried that you will go into preterm labor, call your doctor or the hospital.
Step 1: Tell your doctor if you are having contractions.
If you have a history of pregnant women, your doctor may ask you to stop the contractions before they show up.It is common for women to feel early contractions that stop or turn out to be false.Your doctor needs to know that you are having these symptoms and may need to see him soon.Say, "I think I'm having a baby."When should I go to the hospital?
Step 2: Put your bladder in a container.
If you have a full bladder, emptying it can help relieve the pressure on your abdomen.Holding in your urine can cause a problem with your uterus.While you wait for further instructions from your doctor, it will help you get comfortable.
Step 3: Stand on your left side.
You will tilt to the left if you use pillows to prop up your right side.If you tilt to the left, you'll be more comfortable on your bed or couch.If you have someone who can help, you should ask them to position the pillows.If you can relax, you will be able to stop the contractions.You can distract yourself by listening to peaceful music or watching a movie.
Step 4: Lying flat on your back can encourage contractions.
Staying tilted to the side is what you should do when lying down.If someone is with you, ask for help with staying propped up.It's a good idea to lie on your back.The left side is better than the back.
Step 5: You can drink several glasses of water.
Dehydration can cause early contractions if you don't drink enough water.Stay propped on your left side as you drink fluids.If someone is with you, ask them to refill your water glass so that you don't have to get up.
Step 6: Don't strenuous activity.
Being too active can cause early contractions if you don't get enough rest.Stop your activity if you feel a contraction.Reduce your activity load by talking to your family, friends, and coworkers.Say to family, "I need help with house cleaning right now."I need to rest because I am feeling contractions.
Step 7: As long as your contractions continue, you should time them.
To count the minutes between contractions, use a clock, watch, or timer.You should know how long the contractions last.The true contractions will last from 30 to 70 seconds.Every 5 to 10 minutes over the course of an hour, they will occur, so if you fit into this window, contact your doctor.
Step 8: Don't smoking.
Don't smoke because smoking is a common cause of early contractions.If you have avoided them, now is not the time to use a cigarette.
Step 9: If your contractions continue for more than an hour, you should see a doctor.
Call your care provider immediately if you want to go to the hospital.This does not mean that you are in preterm labor, but you need to be examined to make sure that it is false labor and not something more.
Step 10: You should notice if your contractions happen randomly or frequently.
False labor contractions will happen at odd intervals and occasionally.You can have long contractions that cause you to be concerned, but they don't mean you're in labor.If you have regular pains for half an hour, you can take a break.A minute-long contraction followed by a 20 second contraction are examples of random periods of contraction.
Step 11: If they last from 15 to 30 seconds, you need to time your contractions.
The length of Braxton-Hicks contractions varies from 15 to 30 seconds.False contractions can last as long as two minutes, which is an indication that they are not true.Braxton-Hicks contractions will continue to be sporadic, but true labor will progress toward sharper, well- timed contractions.
Step 12: If they stop when you rest or change position
If you rest, change position or start walking slowly, your broncos will stop.No matter what, true contractions will continue.If you have tried resting or changing positions, contact your doctor.
Step 13: You should notice if you are feeling tight in your abdominal area.
It is usually described as more uncomfortable than painful.Without sharp pains, you may feel your abdomen contracting.Labor will be more painful in the lower back.
Step 14: You should notice if your baby is moving.
You will still be able to feel your baby moving, unlike with regular labor.Your baby's movements are a sign that you are not having real labor because you won't feel your baby during labor.
Step 15: There is a painful tightening that has become regular and frequent.
As your body progresses toward active labor, watch for an increase in regularity.If the contractions are widespread across your entire abdomen, you should feel them.Real labor contractions will be painful.
Step 16: If you have reached five per hour, you should count your contractions.
There should be less than five contractions in an hour.Active labor can be indicated by five contractions in one hour.
Step 17: Look for a low backache.
Real labor begins in your back, so you will feel more pain there than in the stomach.As contractions progress, the dull ache will be accompanied by shooting pains.
Step 18: You can check for a pressure in your abdominal area.
As your body starts to go into labor, you will feel pressure in your lower abdomen, not just the pain that you may expect.As your muscles contract and release, you will feel like you are having a period.
Step 19: Look for signs of bleeding or spotting.
Bleeding can be seen in underwear or toilet paper.If you are having other symptoms of preterm labor, you should be brought up with this discharge immediately.
Step 20: Look for watery vaginal discharge.
The water may break.If your water breaks all the way, preterm labor could start to trickle out.Changes in vaginal discharge can be seen, such as a change in color or amount of discharge.
Step 21: If you have any symptoms, contact your doctor.
If you are worried that you have symptoms of preterm labor, don't doubt yourself.You should visit your care provider as soon as possible.Your doctor will be happy that you came in to get checked out if you are not in preterm labor.Everyone wants the best for you and your baby.Your doctor will perform a number of tests to find out if you are in preterm labor.The doctor will be able to evaluate your contractions after you undergo uterine monitoring.The doctor can order an amniocentesis to determine if your baby's lungs are developed or if there is a problem with theamniotic fluid.
Step 22: IV fluids to stay hydrated.
If you have been dehydrated, your doctor may be able to stop your contractions with IV fluids.You will need to get in touch with your care provider.
Step 23: If you had an illness, try antibiotics.
Some infections can cause early labor, so your doctor may be able to treat the underlying condition and stop it.If you suspect you are ill, visit your doctor immediately.Follow your doctor's instructions if you have an illness that could be passed along to your baby.
Step 24: Take tocolytics to possibly stop the contraction.
Tocolytics can stop contractions for up to two days.They can help delay preterm labor by allowing you and your doctor more time to use other treatments.Tocolytics give you more time to move to a facility that is better equipped to care for premature babies.If you have high blood pressure, your doctor won't be able to give you a tocolytic.
Step 25: You can get an injection of the drug.
Corticosteroids can speed up your baby's lung development, making early delivery less risky.If you are at risk of delivering between weeks 24 and 34 you will be given an injection of corticosteroids.If your doctor thinks you will deliver within a week, and you haven't previously received the drugs, you may still receive them during weeks 34 and 36.
Step 26: Use magnesium sulfate to treat it.
Magnesium sulfate will help you deliver more safely.Babies born between weeks 24 and 32 will be helped by this treatment.Injection will be used for magnesium sulfate.Ask your doctor if you should get a prescription in your case.Women who have already been admitted to the hospital with preterm labor are the most likely to be given this medication.