Women's Health

The mechanism that causes normal term labor to begin is not completely understood, so the actual cause of premature labor is also unknown. However, there are some factors that may increase a woman’s risk for premature labor. Risk factors in a woman’s medical history that can lead to premature labor include: Infection in the cervix or uterus

Since it is difficult to predict or prevent premature labor, health care providers often have to cope with managing the condition as it arises. Contractions alone aren’t enough to accurately diagnose premature labor. Diagnosis depends on detecting changes in the cervix by vaginal examination. Final diagnosis depends on answering two questions: Is it really labor?

After diagnosis of premature labor has been made, careful consideration must be given as to whether or not labor should be stopped. This will depend on a number of factors: The mother’s condition will be assessed by checking her vital signs and possibly doing blood tests. The baby’s status will be determined by monitoring the

The birth of a fetus prior to 20 weeks is known as a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion, as survival is impossible at this point. Labor beginning between 20 and 37 weeks is “preterm labor.” A baby born at 24 weeks gestation has about a 50 percent chance of survival. A baby born at 26 weeks

Here are some frequently asked questions related to premature labor: Q: I am feeling what might be contractions, but I hate to bother my doctor – what should I do? A: Experiencing two or three contractions during an hour is normal for a healthy pregnancy. Contractions can be brought on by sexual intercourse, the baby changing

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to premature labor: Premature labor, or preterm labor, is defined as the onset of labor before the 37th full week of pregnancy. If your baby is born early, but after 28 weeks of gestation, it is likely that he will be mature enough to survive.

Here are definitions of medical terms related to premature labor: Braxton Hicks Contractions: Normal contractions of the uterus, usually painless, in which it tightens and becomes hard. Cesarean Section: A surgical method of delivering a baby through an abdominal incision in the uterus. Cerclage: A stitch put around the cervix to help prevent preterm delivery. Cervix: The lower part