3 Ways to Prevent Early Labor that mothers need to know

Premature labor is labor that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature fetuses may face more health risks than full-term fetuses. Below, we will learn together about the causes, signs and 3 ways to prevent early labor.

What is premature labor?

Premature labor, also known as premature labor or labor, is also known as labor before the 37th week of pregnancy. Usually, a fetus born before the 37th week is considered premature. Premature labor can occur naturally or due to several different external factors.

Common causes of premature labor may include:

• Uterine disorders or cervical problems: This can cause the uterus to open sooner than expected.
• Amniotic fluid or amniotic fluid problems: When amniotic fluid leaks out before the expected time of birth, this can lead to premature labor.
• Maternal health problems: Including inflammation, gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Stress or emotional conditions: Stress or anxiety can cause uterine contractions, causing labor to occur earlier than expected.

Premature labor can cause many health problems for the fetus, including not fully developing the baby’s organs and systems. This can lead to problems with the respiratory system, digestive system, and nervous system. Therefore, managing premature labor is an important part of pregnancy care.

Signs of premature labor

The feeling of uterine contractions: Uterine contractions may start strong and irregular, which can feel like menstrual cramps.

• Lower back pain: Lower back pain can be a sign of premature labor, especially when it occurs at the same time as uterine contractions.
• The feeling of downward pressure: You may feel pressure down below, near the bony area, due to the labor of the fetus.
• Pain in the lower part of the abdomen: Mild pain or body aches in the lower part of the abdomen can also be a sign.
• Change in color or smell of vaginal fluid: If you notice your vaginal fluid changing color or smelling unusual, it could be a sign of premature labor.

Amniotic fluid leakage: If you notice amniotic fluid leaking from your vagina before the 37th week of pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately, as this could be a sign of labor early.

3 Ways to Prevent Early Labor

Take care of your health before pregnancy

Pre-pregnancy health care is an important part of preparing for pregnancy. Here are some basic measures that women should take before getting pregnant:

• General health check: This includes a general health check, screening for infectious diseases, and making sure you are in the best health condition before getting pregnant. If you have any health problems, discuss them with your doctor for appropriate solutions.
• Folic acid supplementation: Folic acid is very important for the development of the neural tube in the fetus. Women should start taking folic acid supplements before becoming pregnant and continue throughout pregnancy. This helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Your weight can affect your ability to get pregnant as well as the health of your fetus. Maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy can help improve your chances of conceiving and reduce the risk of health problems during pregnancy.

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs: Toxic substances in cigarettes, alcohol and drugs can cause serious health problems for both you and your fetus. If you’re trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant, stay away from these substances to protect your health and that of your baby.

Pregnancy health care

Pregnancy health care is an important part of preventing premature labor. Here are 5 ways to help prevent this condition:

• Going for regular prenatal checkups: Going for regular prenatal checkups according to doctor’s appointments is very important to monitor the health of both mother and baby. The doctor will check basic health indicators and provide necessary guidance and support.
• Drink enough water: You need to drink enough water every day to maintain hydration and support the health of both mother and baby. Water helps maintain water balance in the body and reduces the risk of health problems.
• Eat a nutritious diet: A balanced and nutritious diet is very important during pregnancy. You need to increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, proteins and foods rich in folic acid and calcium.
• Gentle exercise: Regular gentle exercise can help improve the health of mother and baby, reduce stress and help maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid overwork: Overwork can increase the risk of premature labor. Make sure you have enough time to rest, don’t work too much and keep your mind comfortable.
• Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for the body and mind to recover and regenerate. Try to keep a good night’s sleep routine to ensure pregnancy health and reduce the risk of premature labor.
• Reduce stress: Stress can negatively affect the health of mother and baby. Look into stress reduction methods like yoga or meditation, or talk to your doctor if you feel overly stressed or anxious.

Avoiding risk factors is a way to prevent premature labor

Avoiding risk factors is also an important part of preventing premature labor. Here are some measures you can take to reduce your risk of premature labor:

• Avoid exposure to toxic substances: Exposure to toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and pesticides can cause unwanted health problems for both mother and fetus. Avoid exposure to these substances in your work or daily living environment.

• Avoid strenuous physical activities: Excessive physical activities can increase pressure on the body, especially the lower abdomen, and can cause complications during pregnancy. Avoid activities such as heavy lifting, vigorous cycling, or excessive sports.
• Avoid twin or multiple pregnancies: Twin or multiple pregnancies increase the risk of premature labor. If you are planning to become pregnant and have a history of twin or multiple pregnancies, discuss preventative and risk-reducing measures with your doctor.
• Contraception after artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization: The process of artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization may create a number of risk factors, and the fetus may face the risk of labor soon. Discuss with your doctor the right time for insemination and associated risk factors.

Conclusion

Preventing premature labor is an important goal to ensure the health of both mother and baby. Applying measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress and performing regular prenatal visits not only helps reduce the risk of premature labor but also enhances the overall health of both partners.

Always listen to your body and follow your doctor’s advice to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. By being proactive and taking good care of yourself, you can create the best conditions for welcoming a healthy and happy baby.