Preterm Labor

Question 1

Preterm birth

Answer 1

• LESS than 37 weeks gestation
• immature body systems
• 1/3 are LBW (low birth weight)

Question 2

Low birth weight (LBW)

Answer 2

• weighs 2500g or LESS at birth
• may or may not have immature body systems
• 2/3 are preterm

Question 3

what are the top three risk factors for PTL

Answer 3

• premature baby in the past
• pregnant with multiples
• problems with uterus or cervix (current or past)

Question 4

Interventions (for home) for uterine activity

Answer 4

• empty bladder
• drink 2-3 glasses of water or juice (no caffeine)
• lie down, on left side, for 1 hour
• palpate for contractions
• *if continues, call HCP or go to the hospital
• **if ceases, resume normal activity BUT DO NOT resume activity that caused contractions

Question 5

Fetal fibronectins (fFN)

Answer 5

fetal fibronectins are NORMAL 1-22 weeks of pregnancy AND 1-3 weeks before delivery

Question 6

Endocervical length

Answer 6

• less than 25-30 mm BEFORE 34 weeks = increased risk

- less than 25 mm BEFORE 24 weeks = increased risk

Question 7

what is considered preterm labor?

Answer 7

• labor beginning between 20-37 weeks gestation
• contractions every 10 minutes (or less), for 1 hour or longer
• painful OR painless
• cervical effacement at least 80% and/or dilation of 2cm or more
• fFN present (not a requirement)