It is important to know the signs and symptoms of preterm labor if you are pregnant.If you know the symptoms, you can get medical treatment that will hopefully prevent you from giving birth to a premature baby.Preterm labor occurs when you are between 20 and 37 weeks of pregnancy and it's considered a loss.It can be caused by a number of factors, some of which you have control over.It's a good idea to learn how to recognize preterm labor.
Step 1: Feel for contraction.
A contraction near your baby will feel like a tightening of your abdominal muscles.A contraction is not always a sign of labor being late.Regular contractions are usually more severe.Though it can be painful, actual contractions are more frequent and accompanied by more pain.As time passes, actual contractions will move closer together.If you have more than eight contractions in an hour or more in 20 minutes, it's not likely that you're having a celebrity.Don't be afraid to call your doctor if you are having contractions.She will be able to determine if you are having false or regular contractions.
Step 2: Know the cause of the contractions.
There are a number of activities that can cause false contractions.They can be triggered if you or the baby have been moving a lot.If you are dehydrated, you may have a round of these contractions after sex.These contractions can be triggered by a full bladder or someone touching your stomach.If your contractions are light and start after these activities, they could be false labor.
Step 3: Allow your contractions to go away.
Your contractions will eventually stop if they are from the same person.Changing how you're positioned will speed up the process.Do the opposite of lying down if you've been moving around.Over time, drinking more fluids or getting more rest can help alleviate these contractions.
Step 4: Take notice of the pressure in your abdomen.
It could be a sign of preterm labor if you start to feel pressure in your lower abdomen.You may feel pressure in your vagina.Call your doctor if you don't know if the pressure you're feeling is preterm labor.
Step 5: Pay attention to abdominal pains.
It could be a sign of preterm labor.It will feel like you are on your period.Dehydration may accompany your symptoms.
Step 6: You should look for a backache.
It may seem like an annoyance, but a backache could be a sign of labor.Backaches in your lower back can be a symptom, especially ones that don't go away.You won't feel a sharp pain.
Step 7: You should watch for changes in your vaginal discharge.
There may be some bleeding from your vagina.Spotting is bleeding.When you are using the restroom, check your underwear for this symptom.The water may break in a more severe case.You should notice the discharge from your vagina.It could be a slow leak or it could gush all at once.You should be looking for vaginal discharge changes.During pregnancy, some discharge is normal.White, thin discharge is what you're likely to see in your second trimester.This discharge is acidic in nature, as it tries to keep badbacteria and yeast out of your vaginal area.Near the end of the pregnancy, you're likely to see heavier discharge.If your discharge suddenly changes, call your doctor.Look for an increase in thickness or mucus.
Step 8: Lower the chance of vaginal infections.
It's difficult to protect yourself against infections.Vaginal infections can lead to early birth, so you should do everything you can to prevent it.You can stay clean by showering or bathing.Don't use beauty products that might irritate your vaginal area.Don't douching.The bad ones can take over if the levels ofbacteria in your vaginal area change.Keep the area clean.Don't wear clothes that are too tight, that will make you hotter down there.Wear cotton and keep it loose.Practice safe sex.Barriers are used when having sex with other people.There is a connection between sex and infections, but researchers don't know why.Safe sex will protect you and the baby from STDs.While pregnant, don't use tampons.Use pads without dyes.
Step 9: Gain some weight.
Women who don't gain the recommended weight during their pregnancies are more likely to give birth early.Doctors sometimes recommend how much you should gain based on your body mass index, a measurement of your height versus your weight.If you have a body mass index less than 18 you should gain up to 40 pounds.If you're of average weight, you should gain 25 to 35 pounds.You can gain 15 to 25 pounds if you're overweight.If you have a body mass index of 30 you can gain up to 20 pounds.Nutrition is important.A balanced diet should include fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.If you don't know what you should eat, ask your doctor for a comprehensive list.
Step 10: Stop smoking.
Smoking increases the risk of a baby being born early.The chemicals from smoking may block some of the oxygen your baby needs at birth.If your partner is a smoker, you should ask him or her to quit.
Step 11: Do not drink alcohol.
Alcohol increases the risk of having a baby early.If you drink while pregnant, you are more likely to have a stillborn baby.Fetal alcohol syndrome can be a problem if you carry your baby to term because of your alcohol use.
Step 12: Don't use drugs.
Drugs such as cocaine can lead to an early delivery.You should avoid illegal drugs because they can affect the health of your baby, and always talk to your doctor before starting any medication, even over-the-counter medications or natural supplements.
Step 13: It's a good idea to avoid stress.
You can skip situations where you know you will be stressed out.You can practice techniques to de-stress yourself when you find yourself in a stressed out situation.Try deep breathing.Close your eyes.Don't pay attention to your breathing.Take a deep breath and count to four.Count to four.Stay focused on your breathing until you feel better.Use visualization.You take a journey with your senses.Imagine a place where you are happy and relaxed, such as the mountains.Think about the smell of the pines, the cool air on your skin, and the sounds of birds.As many details as you can imagine.
Step 14: Wait between pregnancies.
It's possible to give birth too early if you have pregnancies too close together.Your body needs time to recuperate.It's best to wait a year and a half after your last birth before trying to get pregnant again.
Step 15: Complications can increase your risk if you are pregnant.
Premature labor can be caused by preeclampsia.High blood pressure is a sign of Preeclampsia.Gestational diabetes and too muchamniotic fluid are some of the pregnancy related problems.Premature labor can be caused by problems with the placenta.If your uterus isn't shaped normally, that could be an issue.If your doctor finds any of these issues, she will know if you are at risk.
Step 16: Other diseases can put you at risk.
You can be at risk for a premature labor if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.There are other chronic diseases that can cause issues.You can be at risk for preterm labor if you have gum disease.You have a higher chance of developing gum disease if you get pregnant because of the hormones in your body.Floss, brush, and use twice a day at least if you're pregnant.
Step 17: Understand how your pregnancies put you at risk.
If you have had a premature baby in the past, you are more likely to have one someday.Let your doctor know if you had a baby.You can also give birth early if your mother gave birth to you early.If you have a history of a preterm delivery, your doctor can talk to you about what you can do to prevent it from happening again.
Step 18: Early birth can be a result of trauma.
If you have injury or trauma, it can put you at risk for preterm labor.You don't have control over events that cause trauma, such as car accidents, but try to not put yourself in dangerous situations while pregnant.
Step 19: There are other factors that affect your pregnancy.
You are more likely to give birth early if you are having twins or triplets.Your age can affect your unborn child.Older mothers may give birth earlier.