women s health issues
Preterm Labor
Introduction
Labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm. Babies born prematurely can have serious health problems. The diagnosis of preterm labor is usually obvious. Measures such as rest and sometimes drugs may be used to delay labor. Antibiotics or corticosteroids may also be needed. What causes preterm labor is not well understood. However, certain conditions may make it more likely: Prelabor Rupture of the Membranes (PROM) None Previous preterm deliveries Overview of Vaginitis (Vaginal Infection or Inflammation) , including some sexually transmitted infections Kidney Infection or the membranes containing the fetus ( Structural weakness of the cervix ( Cervical Insufficiency ) Multiple Births None Abnormalities in the placenta, uterus, or fetus A healthy lifestyle during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of preterm labor, as can regular visits to the doctor or midwife, who can then identify potential problems early. Preterm (Premature) Newborns can have serious health problems, such as bleeding in the brain. When there is bleeding in the brain, the brain may not develop normally, causing problems such as 