Recognizing preterm labor

During advanced pregnancy, it is important that both you and your spouse learn to recognize the signs of preterm labor. Preterm labor, also called premature labor, is a serious complication associated with pregnancy. Identifying warning signs, and taking immediate action, may help prevent a premature delivery.

Signs of preterm labor that your spouse needs to watch out for include:

• Contractions occurring at the rate of more than five per hour.
• Bleeding from the vagina.
• Clear watery discharge from the vagina.
• Pain during urination, or symptoms of urinary tract infection or kidney infection.
• Sudden swelling on the face or hands—this could be sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), or preeclampsia, a condition associated with premature birth.
• A sharp and extended pain in the stomach—this is also a sign of preeclampsia.
• Continuous vomiting—this could be another sign of preeclampsia.
• Persistent pain in the lower back.
• Feeling of intense pressure on the pelvis.
• If your spouse reports any of the above symptoms, give her a drink of water and call her doctor immediately.

Your spouse can reduce the possibility of preterm labor by:

• Drinking adequate amounts of water at all time•    Keeping in regular touch with her doctor.
• Watching for symptoms of infection in the bladder or urinary tract, and taking timely treatment.
• Calling up her doctor on noticing anything abnormal.

Disclaimer: The above information is commonsense reflection drawn from general experience. If you are looking for expert medical advice, please consult your doctor.