Art___Science_of_Midwifery_4___Preterm_Labour_-_Collaborative_Care_7_March_2025

Collaborative Care

An approach where health practitioners work together to support patient care and decision-making.

Pre-term Labour

Labour that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, potentially leading to premature birth.

Interprofessional Guidance

Support and recommendations provided by a team of professionals from various disciplines in healthcare.

Referral Pathway

A systematic approach for health practitioners to follow when referring patients to other specialists or services.

Obstetric Interventions

Medical procedures and treatments by obstetricians aimed at managing pregnancy and childbirth.

Progesterone

A hormone administered to prolong pregnancy and reduce the risk of pre-term labour.

Cervical Length Ultrasound

A diagnostic test used to measure the length of the cervix, important in assessing the risk of pre-term labour.

Fetal Fibronectin Test

A test that helps predict the likelihood of pre-term labour by detecting a specific protein in the vaginal secretions.

Magnesium Sulphate

A medication used to provide neuroprotection for the baby if pre-term birth is imminent.

Corticosteroids

Medications administered to accelerate fetal lung maturity in cases of pre-term labour.

Gestational Age

The age of the fetus or newborn, usually measured in weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period.

Signs of Pre-term Labour

Symptoms indicating potential early labour, such as abdominal pain, pelvic pressure, and changes in discharge.

Effective Pain Management

The use of appropriate medications to manage pain and prevent contractions during pre-term labour.

Sterile Exam

An examination conducted under sterile conditions to prevent infection, particularly during speculum procedures.

Referral Guidelines

Established protocols for when and how to refer patients to specialists based on their medical needs.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

A specialized unit in a hospital for the care of premature or critically ill newborns.

Uterine Contractions

The tightening and relaxing of the uterus, which can indicate labour.

Signs and Symptoms

Observable characteristics and experiences that may indicate a medical condition.

Vaginal Discharge

Fluid that may increase in amount or change in character, potentially indicating labour or other conditions.

Differential Diagnosis

The process of distinguishing between two or more conditions that share similar signs or symptoms.

Beta-Diethylamine Test

A diagnostic method used to test for membrane rupture in cases of suspected pre-term labour.