Preterm labor is defined as the onset of labor before the 37th week of pregnancy. It’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Preterm labor can result in preterm birth, which can lead to serious health problems for the baby, including developmental delays, respiratory distress syndrome, and even death. In some cases, preterm labor can also lead to complications for the mother. In this article, we will discuss emergency measures covered by the contract for preterm labor.

Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor

It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of preterm labor, so you can seek medical help right away. The signs and symptoms of preterm labor include:.

Contractions that occur every 10 minutes or less
Increase vaginal discharge
Pelvic pressure
Low back pain, especially if it’s new and not related to your pregnancy
Increase in vaginal bleeding
Abdominal cramps
Feeling the baby move less often
Flu-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Emergency Measures for Preterm Labor

When experiencing the signs and symptoms of preterm labor, it’s important to take immediate action. The following are the emergency measures covered by the contract for preterm labor:.

Immediate medical attention

When experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor, call your healthcare provider immediately or go directly to the emergency room. They will ask you questions to determine if you’re in preterm labor.

If you are, they will take immediate action to try to stop it.

Monitoring

If you are in preterm labor, your healthcare provider will monitor your contractions and the baby’s heart rate to determine the severity of the situation.

They may also perform fetal fibronectin (FFN) test, a test that can indicate if you’re likely to go into labor within the next two weeks. If your FFN test is negative, it’s unlikely that you’ll give birth within the next two weeks.

Medications

Depending on the severity of your preterm labor, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to stop contractions and prevent preterm birth. These medications include:.

Tocolytics – Tocolytics are medications that can help to stop contractions temporarily. They include magnesium sulfate, nifedipine, terbutaline, and indomethacin.
Corticosteroids – Corticosteroids are medications that can help to mature the baby’s lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome. They are typically given between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy.
Antibiotics – Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection in the mother or the baby.

Bed rest

Bed rest is sometimes recommended for women in preterm labor. This means that the woman should rest in bed, limit physical activity, and avoid stress. Bed rest can help to reduce the frequency of contractions and prevent preterm birth.

Cervical cerclage

Cervical cerclage is a procedure that involves sewing the cervix closed to prevent premature dilation. It’s usually performed in the second trimester for women who have a history of preterm labor or cervical incompetence.

The procedure can help to prevent preterm birth but also carries some risks.

Conclusion

Preterm labor is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you experience any signs or symptoms of preterm labor, seek medical attention right away.

The emergency measures covered by the contract for preterm labor include immediate medical attention, monitoring, medications, bed rest, and cervical cerclage. With proper medical care, most women can avoid preterm birth and give birth to a healthy baby.