Preterm Labor

Preterm labor

• Regular contractions of uterus resulting in cervical changes that start before 37 weeks of pregnancy

• Cervicla changes effacement and Dilation

Preterm Birth

Birth that occurs between 20 weeks and 37 weeks of pregnancy

Predisposing Factors

Unclear but associated with:

• Dehydration

• UTI

• Periodontal disease

• Chorioamnionitis

• Intimate partner abuse

• High incidence in African American Women

• Adolescents

• Women with inadequate prenatal care, strenuous job during pregnancy, and perform shift work (extreme fatigue)

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, causes swollen, red gums that may bleed.

Chorioamnionitis

Infection of the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid during pregnancy

Signs and Symptoms

• pErsistent, dull, low backache

• Vaginal spotting

• Feeling of pelvic pressure of abdominal tighten

• Menstrual-like cramping

• Increase vaginal discharge

• Uterine contractions

• Intestinal cramping

Maternal Complications

Anxiety

Fetal Complications

• Preterm infant

• Respiratory distress syndrome

• Hypoglycemia

• Intercranial hemorrhage

Therapeutic Management

• Hospital Admission

• Asses Overall Fetal Welfare

• At Home Management

Hospital Admission

Bedrest and IVF therapy relieve pressure and induce hydration.

Asses Overall Fetal Welfare

• Rule out infections: Vaginal and cervical cultures

• Clean-catch urine sampling

• Give tocolytic agent

At Home Management

• Drink enough fluid

• Continue oral tocolytic agent

• Strict bed rest or limit strenuous activities

• Maintain adequate nutrition

• Do not smoke

Treatment/Medication

• Corticosteroids (Betamethasone)

• Tocolytic Agent (terbutaline)