7/03/25 MIDW703ALL - Art & Science of Midwifery 4 * Preterm Labour - Risks 7 March 2025

Pre-term labour

Defined as any birth occurring after 20 weeks and before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

Gestation

The period of time that a baby develops inside the womb, measured in weeks.

Asymptomatic UTI

A urinary tract infection that does not present noticeable symptoms; can lead to complications like pre-term labour if untreated.

Cervical insufficiency

A condition where the cervix weakens and opens too early, potentially leading to pre-term birth.

Rupture of membranes

Breaking of the amniotic sac, which can occur before labour begins; significant when it happens before 37 weeks.

CTG (Cardiotocography)

A technical means of recording the fetal heartbeat and the uterine contractions during pregnancy.

Magnesium sulphate

Medication used to prevent seizures in women with severe pre-eclampsia and to protect the brain of a premature infant.

Viability

The ability of a fetus to survive outside the womb; generally considered to begin at 23 weeks of gestation.

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

A specialized unit that provides critical care for premature or ill newborns.

Risk factors for pre-term labour

Factors that increase the likelihood of giving birth prematurely, such as smoking, prior pre-term birth, or cervical issues.

PMRC (Perinatal Maternal Mortality Review Committee)

A committee that reviews cases of maternal and neonatal deaths to improve healthcare practices.

Spontaneous pre-term labour

Labour that begins naturally before 37 weeks of pregnancy without any medical intervention.

Signs and symptoms of pre-term labour

Indicators such as regular contractions, lower abdominal pressure, or changes in vaginal discharge.

Suture for cervical insufficiency

A stitch placed in the cervix to help prevent pre-term birth due to cervical insufficiency.

Fetal heart rate monitoring

The process of checking the baby's heart rate to assess its health during pregnancy.

Socioeconomic factors

Social and economic conditions that can influence health outcomes, including risks for pre-term birth.

Health New Zealand funding

Financial support provided for health initiatives, including early pregnancy care to manage pre-term birth risks.

Comprehensive history taking

The thorough collection of medical and personal information to assess risk factors and health history.

Neonatal morbidity

Health issues affecting a newborn, which can arise from pre-term birth.

Counseling for high-risk pregnancies

Providing guidance and support to pregnant individuals identified as being at high risk for complications.