Overview
Premature labour is a condition where the delivery happens before week 36 of pregnancy when female undergoes regular contractions resulting opening of cervix. Premature labour puts baby in greater health risk. Hence close monitoring of baby after birth is needed.Signs and Symptoms
Regular or frequent contractions, Constant low & dull backache, Sensation of pelvic or lower abdominal pressure, Mild abdominal cramps, Vaginal spotting or light bleeding, Preterm rupture of membranesCommon Causes
Preeclampsia, Chronic medical illness, Infection (such as group B streptococcus), Drug abuse (such as cocaine), Abnormal structure of the uterus, Cervical incompetence (inability of the cervix to stay closed during pregnancy), Previous preterm birthRisk Factors
History of preterm labour, Pregnant mother associated with urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted disease, Pregnancy with twins, High blood pressure Smoking, Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, Too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)Investigation Techniques
Cervical examination- Pooling of liquor at posterior fornix, Ultrasound (with a vaginal transducer to measure the length of the cervix), Testing for fetal fibronectin (FFN)--a protein found between the fetal membranes and uterine lining.Treatment and Prevention
Bedrest, Hospitalization, Tocolytic medications, Corticosteroid medications for the fetus, Cervical cerclage, Antibiotics (to treat infection),Delivery
