Concerns about Preterm Labour

A pregnant woman may get concerned about the preterm labour if she observes any signs or symptoms of the preterm labour in the seventh month of pregnancy. Read on to know the causes of preterm labour and find out how to avoid an early labour by taking the precautions to allay the concerns of preterm labour. Pregnancy is a period filled with joy and anticipation, but at the same time, one must also be aware that there can be uncertainties as well. So be aware and stay informed so that you are not taken by surprise and left clueless as to what is happening inside your body. Note down every change that is taking place in your body and the manner in which they are affecting you. Report the same to your doctor so that you know whether everything is okay. Your concern that you might go into labour early might well happen; and there is nothing to be worried about. At times it is possible to avoid an early labour by reducing certain risk factors. In this articleCommon Causes of Preterm LabourMedical Risk Factors Leading to Premature Birth How to Prevent Preterm LabourSigns of Concern for a Preterm LabourCommon Causes of Preterm Labour Here are some concerns that cause a preterm labour. The first point to note is that there are still no certain facts or factors that can be defined as the actual cause or causes of a preterm labour. It can happen for no apparent reason as well. You might concur the risk of premature labour when – Your uterus is holding multiple fetuses. You already have had a history of premature labour in your earlier pregnancy. You are having some uterine or cervical abnormality. Medical Risk Factors Leading to Premature Birth There can also be the following medical risk factors leading to premature birth. There is a persistent vaginal bleeding due to no apparent cause during your pregnancy term. You are continuously having a high temperature during your pregnancy term, usually over 101 degrees Fahrenheit. You are suffering from a recurring kidney infection. This can as well be combined with bladder failure or problems. You are suffering from a series of infections, be it vaginal, urinary tract or even any variant of sexually transmitted disease. You are suffering from a chronic condition like a high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney problems. You have a weight issue – be it over weight or underweight.If your pregnancy is caused by IVF, in vitro fertilisation; and you are bearing a single foetus. If you are suffering from Thrombophilia, a type of clotting disorder. If you have had multiple first trimester abortions and/or more than one second trimester abortions. If the gap between your current and previous pregnancy is very less, that is less than six to nine months. How to Prevent Preterm Labour Certain precautions to allay the concerns of Preterm labour can be taken on your part as well: Always go for your prenatal checkups regularly. Abstain from smoking, alcohol, taking over-the-counter medicines and drugs. Reduce your levels of stress. Ensure that you have adequate rest, avoid exertion and long hours of standing. Be in a happy environment with a fair amount of family and social support. Take note that any sort of violence, be it physical, sexual or emotional can result in preterm labour. Signs of Concern for a Preterm Labour If there is a watery fluid discharge from the vagina, it indicates that the amniotic sac is broken. If there is any abnormal vaginal discharge. If there is a frequent or constant cramps in the abdominal area, similar to menstrual cramps. If you are experiencing abdominal cramps along with or without diarrhea. There is an incessant or persistent low and dull backache just beneath your waistline. If you are experiencing five or more uterine contractions within a span of an hour. If you feel immense pelvic pressure, as if the baby is pushing down. Concerns about preterm labour may arise during the seventh month of pregnancy. However, by taking right precautions preterm labour can be prevented. And if you are well aware of the signs and symptoms, you can take immediate action by contacting your doctor.

Pregnancy is a period filled with joy and anticipation, but at the same time, one must also be aware that there can be uncertainties as well. So be aware and stay informed so that you are not taken by surprise and left clueless as to what is happening inside your body. Note down every change that is taking place in your body and the manner in which they are affecting you. Report the same to your doctor so that you know whether everything is okay. Your concern that you might go into labour early might well happen; and there is nothing to be worried about. At times it is possible to avoid an early labour by reducing certain risk factors.

Common Causes of Preterm Labour

Here are some concerns that cause a preterm labour.

The first point to note is that there are still no certain facts or factors that can be defined as the actual cause or causes of a preterm labour. It can happen for no apparent reason as well. You might concur the risk of premature labour when –

Your uterus is holding multiple fetuses.

You already have had a history of premature labour in your earlier pregnancy.

You are having some uterine or cervical abnormality.

Medical Risk Factors Leading to Premature Birth

There can also be the following medical risk factors leading to premature birth.

There is a persistent vaginal bleeding due to no apparent cause during your pregnancy term.

You are continuously having a high temperature during your pregnancy term, usually over 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

You are suffering from a recurring kidney infection. This can as well be combined with bladder failure or problems.

You are suffering from a series of infections, be it vaginal, urinary tract or even any variant of sexually transmitted disease.

You are suffering from a chronic condition like a high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney problems.

You have a weight issue – be it over weight or underweight.

If your pregnancy is caused by IVF, in vitro fertilisation; and you are bearing a single foetus.

If you are suffering from Thrombophilia, a type of clotting disorder.

If you have had multiple first trimester abortions and/or more than one second trimester abortions.

If the gap between your current and previous pregnancy is very less, that is less than six to nine months.

How to Prevent Preterm Labour

Certain precautions to allay the concerns of Preterm labour can be taken on your part as well:

Always go for your prenatal checkups regularly.

Abstain from smoking, alcohol, taking over-the-counter medicines and drugs.

Reduce your levels of stress.

Ensure that you have adequate rest, avoid exertion and long hours of standing.

Be in a happy environment with a fair amount of family and social support.

Take note that any sort of violence, be it physical, sexual or emotional can result in preterm labour.

Signs of Concern for a Preterm Labour

If there is a watery fluid discharge from the vagina, it indicates that the amniotic sac is broken.

If there is any abnormal vaginal discharge.

If there is a frequent or constant cramps in the abdominal area, similar to menstrual cramps.

If you are experiencing abdominal cramps along with or without diarrhea.

There is an incessant or persistent low and dull backache just beneath your waistline.

If you are experiencing five or more uterine contractions within a span of an hour.

If you feel immense pelvic pressure, as if the baby is pushing down.

Concerns about preterm labour may arise during the seventh month of pregnancy. However, by taking right precautions preterm labour can be prevented. And if you are well aware of the signs and symptoms, you can take immediate action by contacting your doctor.