What's wrong with preterm labor?

• Preterm labor occurs when a woman begins having regular contractions that cause the dilation of the cervix prior to 37 weeks.
• Preterm labor can lead to preterm delivery, with devastating results such as: respiratory distress syndrome and chronic lung problems, problems feeding due to a poor or weak suck, neurological problems such as seizures, the inability to regulate body temperature or even death.
• Preterm labor symptoms to report to your doctor immediately include:
  1. Uterine contractions (a tightening of the uterus) occurring 4 or more times in one hour.
  2. Rhythmic, lower abdominal cramping, similar to menstrual cramps.
  3. A low, dull backache that feels different than what you normally experience, especially if accompanied by a fever, pain with urination or blood in the urine.
  4. Persistent diarrhea or intestinal cramps (like bad gas pains).
  5. An unusual rhythmic or persistent pelvic pressure that occurs in your back, between your legs or feels like the baby is pushing its way out.
  6. A large amount of mucus or water leaking from the vagina (VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE THIS CHANGE AND REPORT THIS!).
  7. A change in the color of vaginal discharge to pink, brown, or green.
• What to do if this occurs during your pregnancy:
  1. Lie down on your left side for one hour.
  2. Drink 2 to 3 glasses of water or juice.
  3. If the symptoms go away, resume light activity but not what you were doing and make sure to let your Health Care Provider know it occurred, what occurred and what you did to stop it, as well as how long it lasted.
  4. If the symptom(s) continue or get worse, DON'T WAIT. Go to the hospital immediately and tell them you think you might be in labor.

Breastfeeding Successfully:

• Breastfeeding is the best food for your newborn and there are numerous reasons to do so. Please call and ask for 42 reasons to breastfeed.
• You should ask your Health Care Provider about what you can do to prepare for breastfeeding, and who you can go to for help if you experience problems.
• Ask to see the lactation consultant at the WIC department, the Prenatal program, or at the hospital.
• Follow your good eating habits and continue your prenatal vitamin while nursing.
• Make sure you know how to position your baby on the breast (chest to chest, mouth over as much of the areola(brown area surrounding nipple))as possible.
• Ask for help!