Preterm Labor Care in Augusta and Waterville, ME

What is Preterm Labor? 

Premature labor or preterm labor occurs when your body starts getting ready for birth too early in your pregnancy. This happens when regular contractions result in the opening of your cervix before 37 weeks or if it starts more than three weeks before your due date. Going into preterm labor does not automatically mean that you will have a preterm birth. But preterm labor needs medical attention right away.

The expertly trained OBGYNs at Waterville Women’s Care are dedicated to providing the highest quality of obstetric care to women throughout Augusta and Waterville. Our obstetricians have extensive experience providing care to women experiencing preterm labor and will be sure to answer any questions you may have. Call (207) 877-7477 to request an obstetric appointment at our OBGYN clinic in Waterville or Augusta, ME.

What is Considered Early Enough to be Preterm Labor?

A baby is typically born around 40 weeks. If your labor begins after week 20 and before week 37 of your pregnancy, it is considered preterm labor.

What Causes Preterm Labor?

Certain risk factors might increase the chance of preterm labor, but preterm labor can also occur in pregnant women with no known risk factors. It is not always clear what causes preterm labor.

You may be at increased risk if:

• You have previous preterm labor or birth
• You are pregnant with multiples
• You have issues with your uterus, placenta, or cervix
• If you have an infection
• If you suffer from chronic conditions
• If you have a stressful life event
• If you smoke or use illicit drugs
• If you’ve experienced vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
• If you have too much amniotic fluid
• If you get pregnant soon after having a baby
• Other conditions

Talk to your OBGYN if you feel you may be at risk for preterm labor. It is important to know what to expect so you can take precautions and be prepared.

Signs of Preterm Labor

If you think you may be in labor, get medical help immediately. The earlier you get help, the better outcome for you and your baby.

Some common signs and symptoms of preterm labor include:

• Regular or frequent sensations of abdominal tightening (contractions)
• Constant low, dull backache
• A sensation of pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
• Mild abdominal cramps
• Vaginal spotting or light bleeding
• Preterm rupture of membranes — in a gush or a continuous trickle of fluid after the membrane around the baby breaks or tears
• A change in type of vaginal discharge — watery, mucus-like or bloody

Risks of Preterm Labor

Preterm labor can result in:

• premature birth
• health risks for your baby
• special care in the neonatal intensive care unit for your baby
• potential long-term mental or physical disabilities

There are some serious risks of preterm labor, but many babies are born early and do quite well thanks to the advancements in medicine and technology. We will work with you to help you feel at ease and reassured if you experience preterm labor.

Those born after 7 months usually need a short stay in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU.) Babies born earlier than that face much bigger challenges. They will need specialized care in the NICU.

Can Preterm Labor Stop on its Own?

If you are in preterm labor, sometime it can stop on its own. This happens about 30% of the time. If it does not stop on its own or if your obstetrician feels it is necessary, you may be given treatments to try to delay birth.

If you are in preterm labor, your obstetrician may also give you or your baby certain medications to reduce complications if the baby is born. We will work with you to help you and your baby be prepared for birth if labor does not stop on its own.

Get Help Immediately

If you think you may be experiencing preterm labor, get help right away. It is always better to error on the safe side and get evaluated by a medical provider. About 1 in 10 women experience preterm labor in the United States, so you are not alone. We can help answer your questions and help you feel certain in your pregnancy.