Miscarriage premature labor.I've already felt some contractions, and I'm only 6 months' pregnant. Am I going into premature labor?
Probably not. You are probably experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are painless, nonrhythmical contractions. They can begin early in pregnancy and continue off and on until your baby is born. You feel them at irregular intervals and they may increase in number and strength when your uterus is massaged.
I heard a woman describe her baby as "dropping." Does this mean the baby was falling out?
No, it doesn't. The feeling of having your baby drop, also called lightening, means the baby's head has moved down deep into your pelvis. It is a natural part of the birthing process and can happen a few weeks to a few hours before labor begins.
How will I feel when my baby drops?
You may feel that you have more room to breathe when the baby descends into your pelvis, but you may also feel more pelvic pressure or discomfort.
I've heard stories about a woman's water breaking when she is out in public.
Does this happen often?
Although it doesn't happen very often, it is possible, but don't waste energy worrying about it. If it happens to you, people will be understanding and helpful. At that stage of your pregnancy, your condition is quite obvious to them!
Does the water usually break before a woman goes into labor?
Sometimes the water breaks shortly before labor begins. However, in most cases, a doctor will rupture the membranes after the woman goes to the hospital and is in labor.
How will I know when my water breaks?
You may feel a gush of fluid, followed by slow leaking, or you may feel just a slow leaking, without the gush of fluid. A sanitary pad will help absorb the slow leaking.
What should I do when my water breaks?
Call your doctor immediately; you must take some precautions. If labor and delivery are imminent, you may be advised to go to the hospital. If you are not near term, you may be asked to come to the office for an examination. You may not be ready to deliver your baby, and your doctor wants to prevent any infection. Risk of infection increases when your water breaks.
My doctor said she might have to induce me. How is this done?
To induce labor, your doctor will break your bag of waters and give you oxytocin (Pitocin) intravenously. The medication is given in gradually increasing doses until contractions begin.
Why is labor induced?
Your doctor may decide to induce labor if you or your baby are at risk. There are many medical reasons why labor must be induced. Inducing labor is a decision your doctor will consider.
Can I ask my doctor to induce me?
You may be tempted to ask your doctor to induce your labor for convenience or because you are tired of being pregnant. Listen to your doctor's advice.
How long does labor last?
The length of your labor is extremely individual. It varies from pregnancy to pregnancy and depends on how many pregnancies you have already had.
SOME CAUSES OF PREMATURE LABOR
In most cases, the cause of premature labor is unknown. Causes we do understand include the following: - a uterus with an abnormal shape
- a large uterus (such as with multiple fetuses)
- hydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid)
- an abnormal placenta
- premature rupture of the membranes
- incompetent cervix (a weak cervix that dilates very early)
- abnormalities of the fetus
- fetal death
- retained IUD
- maternal illness, such as high blood pressure, or some maternal infections
- incorrect estimate of gestational age, which means the baby is really not premature
PREMATURE LABOR AND BIRTH
What is preterm birth?
Preterm birth refers to a baby born more than 4 weeks early. It is also called premature birth.
How common is preterm birth?
About 10% of all babies are born more than 4 weeks early.
I've heard preterm birth can be dangerous for the baby. Why?
Preterm birth of a baby can be dangerous because the baby's lungs and other organ systems may not be ready to function on their own.
What will my doctor tell me to do if I go into labor too early?
It is important to try to halt the contractions. Most doctors start bv recommending bed rest and increased fluids to stop labor. Bed rest means lying in bed on your side. Either side is OK, but the left side is best.
Why do I have to lie in bed?
It works. It may mean you have to modify or stop your activities, but we have found that bed rest helps end premature labor. Before we had medications, bed rest was the only treatment for premature labor. It is still often successful.
Is there any way for my doctor to know when I will go into labor?
No one knows when labor will begin.
I've heard there are medications to stop premature labor. Can't I take one of those medications instead of going to bed?
Even if you take medication, you will probably be advised to rest in bed. Bed rest is an essential part of the treatment plan for premature labor.
What kinds of medications are used to treat premature labor?
Medications that relax the uterus and decrease contractions include three types:
- magnesium sulfate, which is usually given through an I.V.; sometimes it is given orally
- beta-adrenergics, including ritodrine and terbutaline, which are given orally, through an I.V. or by injection
- sedatives or narcotics, which may be used in early attempts to stop premature labor
What are the benefits of stopping premature labor?
It is better for both mother and baby if premature labor is halted. Premature delivery increases the risks of fetal problems and maternal problems, such as the risk of C-section.
How long can I expect to be in labor with a first baby?
With a first pregnancy, the first and second stages of labor can last 14 to 75 hours, or more. A woman who has already had one or two children will probably have a shorter labor, but that's not always the case.
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