Labour that starts too early (more than 3 weeks before your due date) may lead to preterm birth.
Why be concerned?
Preterm babies are at greater risk the earlier they are born. Preterm babies are more likely to:
- have trouble breathing, feeding, and keeping warm
- have long-term problems (seeing, learning, walking, breathing)
- have more infections
- have longer hospital stays
- be too small and weak to live
Who is at risk?
Preterm labour can happen in any pregnancy. Half of all preterm births are to women with no known risk factors. Some things that increase the risk for preterm labour include:
- tobacco smoke
- previous preterm birth
- injury (including family violence)
- using drugs or alcohol
- multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
|
- being younger than 17 or older than 35
- pregnancy complicated by other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, bleeding
- not eating often enough (at least every 3 hours) during the day
|
How You Can Reduce the Risk Factors
Stop smoking and stay away from second-hand smoke
- Talk about the effects of smoking and tobacco on your baby with your caregiver.
- Have members of your household help you stop smoking.
- Reduce your exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
- Talk about ways to stop smoking with your caregiver.
- Seek a support group for help.
Don't use alcohol or drugs
- Call AADAC (Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission) at 1-866-332-2322 for resources.
Prevent injuries
- Wear a seatbelt when in a vehicle.
- Seek help for family violence.
- Report injuries to your caregiver.
Get prenatal care early in pregnancy
- See a doctor or midwife.
- Go to childbirth education classes.
Choose a healthy lifestyle
- Don't get too tired.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Don't go on long trips.
What are the signs of preterm labour?
Some women just know that something is not right. Signs can include:
- contractions (may or may not hurt)
- bleeding from the vagina
- cramps (may feel like menstrual cramps or gas pains)
- changes in low back pain
- fluid gush or leak of fluid from the vagina
- full or heavy feeling in vagina
- change or increase in vaginal discharge
It's important to know the signs of preterm labour - often labour can be stopped or delayed. Trust your instincts. If you think something is wrong, call your caregiver or go to the hospital. It can make a big difference to your baby's health.
Signs of preterm labour should never be ignored. Responding early to preterm labour reduces the chance of preterm birth.
