What should pregnant mothers do when there are signs of preterm labor before the fetus is 37 weeks old? Babies born prematurely may experience a number of health problems.
If you have signs of premature birth or leakage of amniotic fluid, go to the hospital to see the situation. The doctor will monitor for contractions (contractions of the uterus) and evaluate the fetal heart rate and check if the amniotic membrane is ruptured. Also, you will need a urine test to check for signs of infection. You may also be tested for fetal fibronectin.
If the amniotic membrane is still not ruptured, your doctor will examine the vagina to evaluate the condition of the cervix or an ultrasound of the abdomen to check the amount of amniotic fluid and determine growth, gestation age, and gestation . Finally, some doctors will perform a vaginal ultrasound to check the length of the cervix and look for signs of cervical dilation.
If all the tests are negative, the amniotic fluid does not rupture, the cervix is not cleared open after a few hours of follow-up, the contractions are reduced, you and your baby are healthy, you will be sent home. Although each doctor may treat the situation a little differently, the steps are generally the same.
If your membranes are broken at 34 weeks or more, your doctor will help you initiate labor or a cesarean section. If you are less than 34 weeks pregnant and notice problems of preterm labor, intact membranes, no signs of uterine infection or other problems (severe pre-eclampsia or signs of premature ablation If the baby's heart rate is normal, the doctor will try to delay the birth. This depends on your condition and whether there are any signs of infection or any other reason the baby needs to be born early.
First, you will be prescribed an IV antibiotic (for intravenous use) to prevent B-group Streptococcus (GBS) infection in your fetus. Your doctor will also give you a dose of corticosteroids to help speed up your fetal lung development so that when your baby is born, your baby will reduce the health risks of preterm birth.
The purpose of waiting is to try to give the fetus more time to mature. The downside of waiting for natural delivery is that the risk of infection is higher. But at too young a gestational age, the benefit of waiting is often higher than the risk of having to terminate the pregnancy immediately or cesarean section . If the fetus has not reached 24 weeks of age, antibiotics should not be used to prevent GBS or use corticosteroids.
Premature babies will need to stay in the incubator until their health problems are resolved. Baby can be well fed without problems and will fully develop.
Stay tuned for the next articles of aFamilyToday Health to see how preterm babies will be cared for in active infant care units!
Prenatal vitamins can worsen nausea, especially on an empty stomach. Learn practical timing and food adjustments, safer options to discuss, and when to call your pregnancy care team.
Nighttime leg cramps are common in pregnancy, but their exact cause is often unclear. Learn likely contributors, safe relief steps, and warning signs that need prompt care.
Pack a small hospital bag with the essentials, protect important medical aids, and check which items your hospital provides or restricts.
Learn when pregnancy swelling can wait for routine discussion, when to call maternity care the same day, and which symptoms need emergency help now.
Ease pregnancy heartburn with smaller meals, smart timing, and pregnancy-aware medication advice—without cutting nutritious foods or skipping prenatal supplements.
Help older children adjust to a new baby with honest, age-appropriate conversations, optional ways to join in, steady routines, and space for mixed feelings.
Try pregnancy-safe pillow positioning and gentle turning strategies for hip pain at night, and learn when persistent pain or other symptoms need medical care.
Morning sickness can ease and return as pregnancy symptoms fluctuate. Learn common triggers, practical steps, and when nausea or vomiting needs medical attention.
Fetal movement can feel different as pregnancy progresses, but a clear change in your baby’s usual pattern needs prompt attention. Learn what may affect what you feel and when to call.
Build a flexible birth plan by comparing pain relief, birth setting, support, and newborn care—and writing backup preferences for an unpredictable labor.
