Pregnancy complications can be very stressful to deal with and one of the most common complications is premature labor. According to an expert from “What to Expect," preterm labor occurs in one out of every ten pregnancies. When individuals experience early labor, they are often labeled as a high risk pregnancy and sometimes even put on full bed rest. It’s important that women understand the signs of early labor in order to start treating the symptoms before it’s too late.
Signs of Early Labor
Detecting premature labor early on can help prevent premature birth and potentially enable individuals to carry their pregnancy to full term. This is why it’s essential that individuals look out for signs of early labor, which may include:
- More than five contractions within one hour
- Cramping
- Vaginal Bleeding
- Fluid or a mucus discharge
- Excessive swelling of the face, hands and feet (a sign of preclampsia)
- Sharp pain inside the stomach area
- Excessive vomiting
- Low backache
- Intense pelvic pressure
Preventing a High Risk Pregnancy Caused By Premature Labor
There is no way of completely preventing premature labor. However, there are some factors that individuals can keep in mind in order to potentially prevent early labor.
Some of these factors include:
- Vaginal Infections- Treat vaginal infections, such as yeast or bacterial infections, as early as possible, as these type of infections can cause early labor.
- Fluid Intake- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Dehydration can definitely cause premature labor, as this may cause contractions.
- Prenatal Appointments- Prenatal care is very important and it’s suggested that individuals make their prenatal appointments priority, as a doctor or midwife can detect signs of early labor and treat the symptoms before it’s too late.
Pregnancy Complications Causes a High Risk Pregnancy
If a doctor diagnoses premature labor in their patient, the doctor will label their patient as a high risk pregnancy. The doctor will then have to take proper measures to help their patient manage their symptoms and reduce the specific pregnancy complications.
Treating Early Labor
Each patient differs and this is why a doctor must treat the patient’s specific pregnancy complications. Some specific treatments may include:
- Bed rest
- Hydration (IV or oral)
- Medication (to stop contractions)
- Stress test
- Ultrasound
- Shots (to help the baby’s lungs develop in case of premature birth)
Premature labor can be a serious complication and this causes a high risk pregnancy. If individuals feel as though they may be showing signs of early labor, it is best to get an immediate evaluation by a doctor, in order to start treating the symptoms of early labor right away.
Sources: What to Expect and Swedish.org
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