12.2a Preterm Labor and Birth Flashcards
Preterm Labor
- Regular contractions and change in cervical effacement/dilation
OR - Presentation with regular uterine contractions and at least 2cm dilation
- Occurs between 20 weeks to 36 weeks 6 days
Preterm Birth
- Birth between 20 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks
Very Preterm - Less than 32 weeks
Moderately Preterm - 32-34 weeks
Late Preterm - 34-36 6/7 weeks
- Risk is directly related to degree or prematurity
- Usually increased risk of early death and long term health problems
- Before 32 weeks is greatest risk
Preterm Birth vs LBW
- Preterm birth is more dangerous due to less time in uterus leading to immature body systems
- Low birth weight can be caused by IUGR (inadequate fetal growth), issues with uteroplacental perfusion (gestational hypertension, poor nutrition)
- Birth Weight is NOT a substitute for gestational age
Spontaneous/Indicated Preterm Birth
Spontaneous - Birth without maternal/fetal illness
Indicated - Iatrogenic (done to resolve an illness)
Risks of Spontaneous Preterm Birth
- History of genital tract colonization/infection/instrumentation
- African Americans
- Bleeding of Uncertain Origin
- Uterine Anomalies
- Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology
- Multiple Gestation
- Cigarettes/Drugs
- <19.6 BMI or >30
- Periodontal Disease
- Limited Education/Socioeconomic Class
- Late Entry into Prenatal Care
- High Levels of Stress
Causes of Spontaneous Preterm Labor/Birth
- Infection
- Anomalies of Uterus
- Implantation of Placenta on Uterine Septum
- Unexplained Vaginal Bleeding After 1st Trimester
- Genetic Predisposition
- Stress
- Fetal Allergies
- Decrease in Progesterone
Causes of Preterm Birth
- Gestational Diabetes
- Chronic Hypertension
- Preeclampsia
- Previous C-sections
- Cholestasis
- Placental Abruption/Previa
- Seizures, Thromboembolisms, Asthma, Bronchitis, HIV, Herpes, Obesity, Smoking
- Fetal Compromise (poor growth, abnormal NST/BPP, poly/oligohydramnios, blood group alloimmunization, birth defects, multiple gestation, twin to twin transfusion syndrome)
Risk Factors Spontaneous Preterm Birth
- Social Determinants of Health
- Lack of Access to Prenatal Care
- Genetics
Endocervical Length
- Cervical measurement predicts when labor has begun
- Cervix size greater than 30mm are unlikely to give preterm birth even with symptoms
Fetal Fibronectin Test
- Glycoprotein “Glue” found in plasma and produced during fetal life
- Normally appears in cervical/vaginal secretions early in pregnancy than again in late pregnancy
- Fluid is collected with a vaginal swab
- fTN present in late second and early third trimesters indicates placental inflammation which may cause spontaneous preterm labor
CARE MANAGEMENT
- Onset of preterm labor can easily be mistaken for normal discomforts of pregnancy (insidious)
PREVENTION
- Disease prevention, preconception counseling, smoking cessations
- Prophylactic progesterone supplementation from 16-36 weeks can help prevent. Does not work in multiple gestation pregnancies
Interventions of Preterm Labor
- Transfer mother to hospital before birth
- Administer antibiotics to prevent Group B Strep
- Glucocorticoids (betamethasone, dexamethasone) to help reduce respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis. (Helps maturate fetal lungs)
- Magnesium Sulfate for women giving birth before 32 weeks to reduce cerebral palsy in infants.
SYMPTOMS OF PRETERM LABOR
- Uterine Contractions
- Pain
- Vaginal Discharge between 20-36 weeks
Diagnosing Preterm Labor
- Gestational Age 20-36 weeks
- Uterine Activity with Cervical Effacement/Dilation
- Initial Presentation with Regular Contractions and 2cm Dilation
- Presence of fFN
- MUST HAVE CERVICAL CHANGES
Lifestyle Modifications for Preterm Birth
- Activity Restriction (Bed Rest, Hydration, Limited Work)
- Restrict Sexual Activity (Pelvic Rest)
S/S Preterm Labor
- Change in Vaginal Discharge (watery, mucus, or blood)
- Increase in Vaginal Discharge
- Pelvic/Lower ABD pressure
- Constant low, dull backache
- Mild abdominal cramps without diarrhea
- Regular and frequent contractions or uterine tightening (painless)
- Ruptured membranes