Avoiding Premature Labor

Women who are carrying multiples. Women who work overnight shifts. Women having their first baby. Women who have experienced it before. These are the women who have higher premature labor rates. Some women have no risk factors. Want to know what your risk factors are for premature labor?

The release of the most recent birth data shows us that the preterm labor rates are going up. Talking to your doctor or midwife about preterm labor is important. They can give you specific information about not only what your personal risk factors are but what the signs of preterm labor are and what to do if you experience them. There are also some helpful tips on helping to prevent premature labor.

The New England Journal of Medicine reported that the survival rates really are dependent on more than just gestational age. According to their study you need to also look at the sex of the baby and whether or not mom received the steroid injection to promote lung development prior to birth. This means that you need to know the signs and symptoms of preterm labor to get treatment as soon as possible.

Related:

• Disorders of Amniotic Fluid
• Incompetent Cervix
• Bedrest in Pregnancy

_Source:

Tyson, Jon E., Parikh, Nehal A., Langer, John, Green, Charles, Higgins, Rosemary D., the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network, Intensive Care for Extreme Prematurity -- Moving beyond Gestational Age N Engl J Med 2008 358: 1672-1681

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