DiagnosisYour health care provider will review your medical history and risk factors for preterm labor and evaluate your signs and symptoms. If you're experiencing regular uterine contractions and your cervix has begun to soften, thin and open (dilate) before 37 weeks of pregnancy, you'll likely be diagnosed with preterm labor. Show
Tests and procedures to diagnose preterm labor include:
TreatmentMedicationsOnce you're in labor, there are no medications or surgical procedures to stop labor, other than temporarily. However, your doctor might recommend the following medications:
If you're not hospitalized, you might need to schedule weekly or more-frequent visits with your health care provider so that he or she can monitor signs and symptoms of preterm labor. Surgical proceduresIf you are at risk of preterm labor because of a short cervix, your doctor may suggest a surgical procedure known as cervical cerclage. During this procedure, the cervix is stitched closed with strong sutures. Typically, the sutures are removed after 36 completed weeks of pregnancy. If necessary, the sutures can be removed earlier. Cervical cerclage might be recommended if you're less than 24 weeks pregnant, you have a history of early premature birth, and an ultrasound shows your cervix is opening or your cervical length is less than 25 millimeters. Preventive medicationIf you have a history of premature birth, your health care provider might suggest weekly shots of a form of the hormone progesterone called hydroxyprogesterone caproate, starting during your second trimester and continuing until week 37 of pregnancy. In addition, your health care provider might offer progesterone, which is inserted in the vagina, as a preventive measure against preterm birth. If you are diagnosed with a short cervix before week 24 of pregnancy, your health care provider might also recommend use of progesterone until week 37 of pregnancy. Recent research suggests that vaginal progesterone is as effective as cervical cerclage in preventing preterm birth for some women who are at risk. The medication has the advantage of not requiring surgery or anesthesia. Your doctor may offer you medication as an alternative to cervical cerclage. If you have a history of preterm labor or premature birth, you're at risk of a subsequent preterm labor. Work with your health care provider to manage any risk factors and respond to early warning signs and symptoms. Lifestyle and home remediesPreterm contractions might be Braxton Hicks contractions, which are common and don't necessarily mean that your cervix will begin to open. If you're having contractions that you think might be a symptom of preterm labor, try walking, resting or changing positions. This might stop false labor contractions. If you're in true preterm labor, however, your contractions will continue. Bed rest to manage preterm labor hasn't been shown to reduce the risk of preterm birth. Bed rest can lead to blood clots, emotional distress and muscle weakness. Coping and supportIf you're at risk of preterm labor or premature birth, you might feel scared or anxious about your pregnancy. This might be especially true if you have a history of preterm labor or premature birth. Consult your health care provider about healthy ways to relax and stay calm. Preparing for your appointmentIf you develop any signs or symptoms of preterm labor, contact your health care provider right away. Depending on the circumstances, you might need immediate medical care. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, as well as what to expect from your health care provider. What you can doBefore your appointment, you might want to:
Below are some basic questions to ask your health care provider about preterm labor. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.
What to expect from your health care providerYour health care provider is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
Preterm labor poses serious risks for your baby. Work with your health care provider to understand your diagnosis and improve your chance of a healthy outcome. Feb. 08, 2022 When uterine rupture occurs which of the following would be the priority?When uterine rupture occurs, which of the following would be the priority? Question 4 Explanation: With uterine rupture, the client is at risk for hypovolemic shock. Therefore, the priority is to prevent and limit hypovolemic shock.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of magnesium toxicity?CORRECT. A respiratory rate less than 12/min is a sign of magnesium toxicity.
Which medication will the nurse anticipate administering to a laboring client diagnosed with chorioamnionitis to prevent maternal and neonatal complications?Therapy for the mother and/or neonate with chorioamnionitis includes early delivery, supportive care, and antibiotic administration. Antibiotic agents used in the treatment of chorioamnionitis include the following: Ampicillin and gentamicin. Clindamycin or metronidazole when endometritis is suspected (postdelivery)
What are three 3 Findings The nurse should report to the provider for clients receiving magnesium sulfate?Symptoms of magnesium sulfate toxicity are seen with the following maternal serum concentrations: loss of deep tendon reflexes (9.6-12 mg/dL) (> 7 mEq/L), respiratory depression (12-18 mg/dL) (> 10 mEq/L), and cardiac arrest (24-30mg/dL) (> 25mEq/L).
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