Preterm Labor, A Fear Realized
Although it is difficult to predict if a female will have preterm labor there are important warning signs that should not be ignored. These may include:
- Backache
- Contractions
- Cramping
- Fluid leaking from the vagina
- Flu-Like Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Increased pressure in the pelvis or vagina
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding
Any of these signs during a pregnancy should prompt a call to the obstetrician for potential further evaluation.
Your baby is surrounded by a membrane called the amniotic sac that is filled with fluid and protects the baby during development. In a situation when the membrane breaks due to a tear or hole in the membrane it is called rupture of membranes. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) occurs in about 8% of pregnancies and is marked by rupture of the membrane prior to labor beginning. In less that 2% of pregnancies this will occur in a situation where the pregnancy is preterm and is referred to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). The following resource provides organized details of each condition that can occur leading to premature labor and their potential causes.
These additional links are to resources that are helpful in understanding the terminology that is commonly encountered.
When my wife had PPROM leading to the birth of our son 14 weeks early it was a scary moment. Preparation and understanding the terminology and potential outcomes are essential in empowering yourself to remain calm during a time that is all but easy.
My son was born at 26 wks 6 days. Scarest thing ever . He was, as they called him, the wimpy white boy. All this info will help some scared family.
ReplyDeleteApril we too had a wimpy white boy, we didn't even know that diagnosis existed lol. It is strangely true though. Hope your little one is doing great.
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