Preterm labor is considered the one that occurs more than three weeks before the estimated delivery date, that is, before the 37th week of pregnancy. Depending on how early the baby is born, it can be late, moderate or extreme premature. Most premature babies are late, born between 34 and 36 weeks.
These issues, the symptoms of premature birth, its possible causes and others will be discussed in this article, in which we will focus more on delivery, rather than on the possible deficits of the baby. The sooner the baby is born, the more immature it will be, and therefore greater vital complications will have.
Symptoms of preterm labor
New mothers have the feeling that they will not know how to recognize when they are in labor, we can assure that you will know, however it is important to recognize the signs. These should occur from week 37, but can also occur earlier. You will then be facing a premature birth, it is important that you go to the doctor immediately, since they will be the specialists who make the decision to continue labor or try to stop it.
Some symptoms of preterm labor are:
- Regular or frequent sensations of tightening of the abdomen, which are contractions. Sensation of pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen. Mild cramps
- Dull, mild, constant pain in the back
- Mild vaginal spotting or bleeding.
- Premature rupture of membranes: continuous loss of fluid, in the form of a stream or drip, after the membrane around the baby breaks or tears.
- Change in the type of vaginal discharge, it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody.
Do not be afraid to confuse a false birth with a true one, it is better to prevent and that you and the baby are the best taken care of.
Can preterm labor be prevented?
Most of the time, the exact cause of premature labor is unknown. But there are certain treatments, or tips that help certain pregnant women to reduce the risk of having a premature birth. For example, women with a history of preterm labor, a short cervix, or both may reduce your risk of preterm birth with a supplement of progesterone.
El cervical cerclage, is a surgical procedure that practiced during pregnancy in women who have a short cervix or a history of cervix shortening that once led to preterm labor. These strong sutures provide the uterus with additional support. When the baby is mature and labor begins, they are removed. In the case of having a cervical cerclage, the doctor will give you instructions on the activities that you should or should not do during the rest of your pregnancy.
Some research suggests that a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids results in a lower risk of premature birth. These are found in nuts, seeds, their oils, and fish, mainly.
Factors riesgo
Although we have already noted that the specific cause of preterm labor is often unclear, it does appear that there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood to give birth before time. These are:
- That there has been a preterm labor or birth before. Especially in the most recent pregnancy. Premature births are more common in multiple pregnancies.
- The age of the mother, both because she is very young and if she is older. It is also risky if there is an interval of less than 12 months between one pregnancy and the next, or more than 59 months.
- Certain infections, particularly of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract.
- Some chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and depression.
- Problems with the uterus or placenta, shortened cervix. Excess amniotic fluid. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
- Presence of a congenital defect in the fetus.
- Smoking or illegal drug use.
- If stressful events occur during pregnancy.
Some studies suggest that Women who were born prematurely or their siblings are more likely to have a premature baby. In this way, preterm birth could be related to previous experiences of prematurity in the family.