What happens if I go into preterm labour?
If you think you are showing signs of premature labour you should contact your nearest maternity unit as soon as possible. You will be seen by a midwife or doctor who will ask you questions about your general health, the symptoms you are having, including any pain or bleeding, and if you think your waters have broken.
Your assessment will include:
- checking your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and urine
- examining your abdomen for any contractions or pains
- checking baby’s heartbeat, by listening with a handheld device if baby is less than 26 weeks or using an electronic monitor
- taking a blood sample to check for signs of infection
- doing an ultrasound scan to check your baby’s wellbeing and position
- doing a speculum (vaginal) examination to find out if the cervix is opening (dilating) and the presence of any fluid. This may feel uncomfortable but is done quickly
- using a special swab test which can predict the risk of going into premature labour.
- a course of two corticosteroids injections usually 24–48 hours apart to help with your baby’s lung development and reduce the risk of respiratory problems when baby is born
- a course of antibiotics if your waters have broken or if you are in active labour, to decrease the risk of infection
- A medication (through a patch or tablets) to try to stop or slow down labour, if your waters have not broken, in order to give enough time to administer the 2 doses of corticosteroids
- Magnesium sulphate, a medication administered through a drip. This would be considered if you are between 23+6 and 32 weeks of gestation and likely to give birth within the next 24 hours. This treatment provides protection to the baby’s brain (neuroprotection), reducing the chance of complications for your baby, in particular cerebral palsy. If you or your baby require emergency delivery however, delivery will not be delayed in order to administer the medication.
Portal: What happens if I go into preterm labour?
