Preterm Labor Specialist

What is preterm labor?

A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks. You may experience contractions throughout your pregnancy, but there’s no need for alarm. You’ll notice that they continue to increase as you get closer to your delivery date. 

If you start having contractions between weeks 20-37, your cervix begins to open and can cause preterm labor, leading to the risk of premature birth. 

Sometimes, you might falsely assume you’re in preterm labor. For example, you might have pelvic pressure from intestinal cramps that are unrelated to preterm labor. Having an expert team walk with you throughout your labor and delivery can help you stay educated about your body changes.

Your provider at Frisco Obstetrics and Gynecology, PA monitors you closely throughout your pregnancy to help delay premature birth.

What are the symptoms of preterm labor?

If you go into preterm labor, you might experience any of the following signs:

• Involuntary, regular tightening in your abdomen
• Constant backache in your low back
• Mild abdominal cramping
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Mucus-like or bloody discharge
  
  

Your OBGYN stays in close contact with you from the beginning of your pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to call if you notice symptoms that feel out-of-the-ordinary.

What causes preterm labor?

Certain factors can affect your risk of preterm labor, including:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Conditions such as preeclampsia, diabetes, or infections
• Being pregnant with more than one child
• Getting pregnant soon after a previous delivery
  
  

Your doctor gives guidance on how to take care of your body while you’re pregnant to keep you and your baby healthy.

Can preterm labor be prevented?

To promote a healthy, full-term pregnancy and to avoid preterm labor, you’re encouraged to:

• Have routine prenatal care visits with your OBGYN
• Eat a healthy diet
• Monitor other chronic conditions closely, such as diabetes and hypertension
• Stop smoking 
• Don’t drink alcohol
• Don’t use illicit drugs
  
  

If you start to experience preterm labor, drink several glasses of water, and rest on your left side for at least an hour. Pay attention to the consistency of your contractions, timing them out. If your symptoms go away after an hour, spend the rest of the day staying calm and relaxed. Don’t do anything to overexert your body.

If your preterm labor signs continue after an hour, call your OBGYN at Frisco Obstetrics and Gynecology, PA.

To learn more about preterm labor, call Frisco Obstetrics and Gynecology, PA, or schedule an appointment online today.