Archive for November, 2009

With all of this talk about preterm labor you’re probably wondering, “What can I do to reduce my risk?” Ok, maybe you wouldn’t have used those exact words, but you get the point.  Did you notice how I did not use the word prevent? I used the phrase “reduce the risk” because as I mentioned before, sometimes you can do everything right and still have preterm labor.

  The known risk factors are:

• Carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, quadruplets or more).
• Having a previous preterm birth.
• Problems with the uterus or cervix.
• Chronic health problems in the mother, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and clotting disorders.
• Certain infections during pregnancy.
• Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or illicit drug use during pregnancy.

There are things you can do to help your own health and lower your risk of having a premature baby such as:

• Quit smoking and avoid substances such as alcohol or drugs.
• See your health care provider for a medical checkup before pregnancy.
• Work with your health care provider to control diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Get prenatal care early, as soon as you think you may be pregnant, and throughout the pregnancy.
• Discuss concerns during pregnancy with your health care provider, and seek medical attention for any warning signs or symptoms of preterm labor.

More research still is needed to understand the risk factors for premature birth, such as how family history, genetics, lifestyle, and environment may interact to put some women at greater risk for a premature delivery.

Are you pregnant or do you know someone who is pregnant? Then listen up! I’m, giving another one of those “teachable moments.” I don’t want to scare anyone, but the truth is preterm labor can happen to anyone. Yes, there are some risk factors that may increase your chances for having a premature baby, but, I’m not going to tell you them right now because I don’t want you to write this off. Sometimes you can do everything right and still have a preterm labor, so I want you to be prepared. First of all, make sure you have your healthcare provider’s number in a place that is easy to find. I would store his or her number in your cell phone and have it written down in case someone else needs to call. 

 Here are the signs of preterm labor:

• Contractions that make your belly tighten up like a fist every 10 minutes or more often.
• Changes in the color of your vaginal discharge, or bleeding from your vagina.
• The feeling that your baby is pushing down. This is called pelvic pressure.
• Low, dull backache
• Cramps that feel like your period
• Belly cramps with or without diarrhea

 Call your provider even if you have only one of these signs. They may tell you to come into the office or go to the hospital. They may also recommend that you stop what you’re doing, rest on your left side for an hour, and drink 2-3 glasses of water. If these signs get worse or don’t go away, call your provider again or go to the hospital. If the signs do go away, take it easy for the rest of the day.

 If you’re pregnant, memorize these signs. If you’re not pregnant share these signs with someone who is.

 Learn the signs, act early, help your baby.