Experiencing contractions early in your pregnancy can be frightening, but they don't always mean you're in labor.There are measures you can take if you are having Braxton-Hicks contractions.Symptoms of preterm labor can cause your baby to be born premature.Premature labor can happen in women with healthy pregnancies.If you are worried that you will go into preterm labor, call your doctor immediately.
Step 1: You should tell your doctor if you're having contractions.
If you have a history of pregnant women, your doctor will likely ask you to stop the contractions before they show up.It is common for women to feel early contractions that either stop or turn out to be false.Your doctor needs to know that you are having these symptoms and may need to see him soon.Say, "I think I'm having a baby."When should I go to the hospital?
Step 2: You should empty your bladder.
If you have a full bladder, emptying it can help relieve the pressure on your abdomen.Holding in your urine can cause a problem with your uterus.It will make you feel better while you wait for further instructions from your doctor.
Step 3: On your left side lie down.
You tilt to the left when you use pillows to prop up your right side.If you tilt to the left, you'll be more comfortable on the bed or couch.If you have someone who can help you, you should ask them to position the pillows.Relax so you can stop the contractions.Listening to peaceful music or watching a movie can distract you.
Step 4: Lying flat on your back can encourage contraction.
When lying down, tilt your head to the side.If someone is with you, monitor the position of your pillows and ask for help.Lying on your back can make it worse.The left side is better than the back.
Step 5: You should drink several glasses of water.
Dehydration can cause early contractions if you drink a lot of water.Stay propped on your left side as you drink the fluids.If someone is with you, you should ask them to refill your water glass so that you don't have to get up.
Step 6: Don't engage in strenuous activity.
Being too active can cause early contractions if you don't get enough rest.Stop your activity if you feel a contraction.Reduce your activity load by talking to your family, friends, and coworkers.Say to family, "I need help with house cleaning right now."I need to rest because I am feeling contractions.
Step 7: It's best to time your contractions as long as possible.
You can count the minutes between contractions with a clock, watch, or timer.Time how long the contractions last.The true contractions last from 30 to 70 seconds.Every 5 to 10 minutes over the course of an hour, they will occur, so contact your doctor if you fit into this window.
Step 8: It's a good idea to avoid smoking.
Don't smoke because it's a common cause of early contractions.If you have avoided them throughout your pregnancies, now is not the time to use a cigarette.
Step 9: If your contractions last longer than an hour, you should see a doctor.
Call your care provider immediately if you want to go to the hospital.This doesn't mean that you're in preterm labor, but you need to be examined to make sure that it's false labor and not something more.
Step 10: It's a good idea to notice if your contractions happen randomly or frequently.
False labor contractions will happen at odd intervals and occasionally.You can have long contractions that cause you to be concerned, but they don't mean you're in labor.If you have regular pains for half an hour, you can take a break.A minute-long contraction followed by a 20 second contraction are examples of random amounts of time that your contractions are lasting for.
Step 11: If your contractions last from 15 to 30 seconds, time them.
The length of the Braxton-Hicks contractions will vary from 15 to 30 seconds.False contractions can last as long as two minutes, which is an indication that they are not real.Braxton-Hicks contractions will continue to be sporadic, but true labor will progress toward sharper, well- timed contractions.
Step 12: When you rest or change position, watch if they stop.
If you rest, change position, or start walking slowly, your broncos will stop.No matter what, true contractions will continue.If you have tried resting or changing positions, you need to contact your doctor.
Step 13: You should notice if you are feeling tight in your abdominal area.
It's usually described as more uncomfortable than painful.Without sharp pains, you may feel your abdomen contracting and tightening.The labor will be more painful in the lower back.
Step 14: If you can feel your baby moving, you should notice.
You will still be able to feel your baby moving around, unlike with regular labor.Your baby's movements are a sign that you are not having real labor because you won't feel your baby during labor.
Step 15: The tightening has become regular and frequent.
As your body progresses toward active labor, watch for an increase in regularity.If the contractions are widespread across your entire abdomen, you should feel them.It will be painful when labor is real.
Step 16: Do you know if you have reached five per hour?
It is not a good idea to monitor fewer than five contractions in an hour.Active labor can be indicated by five contractions in one hour.
Step 17: Look for a dull backache.
Real labor begins in your back, so you will feel more pain there than in the stomach.As the contractions progress, the dull ache will be accompanied by shooting pains.
Step 18: You should check for a pressure in your body.
You will feel pressure in your lower abdomen as you go into labor, not just the pain that you may expect.As your muscles contract and release, you will feel like you're having a period.
Step 19: It's a good idea to watch for spotting or bleeding.
Bleeding can be seen in underwear or on toilet paper.If you are having other symptoms of preterm labor, you should be brought up with this discharge immediately.
Step 20: There is a watery vaginal discharge.
The water may break.If your water breaks, preterm labor could start to trickle out, or it could gush out.Changes in vaginal discharge can be seen, such as a change in color or amount of discharge.
Step 21: If you have any symptoms, contact your doctor.
If you are worried about symptoms of preterm labor, don't doubt yourself.You should visit your care provider as soon as possible.Your doctor will be happy that you came in to get checked out if you are not in preterm labor.Everyone wishes the best for you and your baby.Your doctor will perform a number of tests to find out if you are in preterm labor.The doctor will be able to evaluate your contractions after you have undergone uterine monitoring.The doctor can order an amniocentesis to determine if your baby's lungs are developed or if there is a problem with theamniotic fluid.
Step 22: Stay hydrated with IV fluids.
If you have been dehydrated, your doctor may be able to stop your contractions using IV fluids.You will need to get in touch with your care provider.
Step 23: If you have an illness, try antibiotics.
Your doctor may be able to stop your labor if he or she can treat the underlying condition.If you suspect you are ill, visit your doctor.Follow your doctor's care instructions if you have an illness that could be passed along to your baby.
Step 24: If you want to stop the contractions, take tocolytics.
Tocolytics can stop contraction for up to two days.They can help delay preterm labor by allowing you and your doctor more time to use other treatments.Tocolytics gives you more time to move to a facility that is better equipped to care for premature babies.If you have high blood pressure, your doctor won't be able to give you a tocolytic.
Step 25: You can get an injection.
Corticosteroids can speed up your baby's lung development, making early delivery less risky.If you are at risk of delivering between weeks 24 and 34 you will be given an injection of corticosteroids.If your doctor thinks you will deliver within a week, and you haven't received the drugs before, you may still receive them during weeks 34 and 36.
Step 26: You can use magnesium sulfate.
Magnesium sulfate can help you deliver more safely.Babies born between 24 and 32 weeks will be helped by this treatment.Magnesium sulfate will be injected.Ask your doctor if they recommend it in your case, as you will have to order a prescription.Women who have already been admitted to the hospital with preterm labor are the most likely to be given this medication.