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Preterm Labor - Home Treatment
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
Symptoms of preterm labor are warning signs. They do not necessarily mean that you will have a preterm birth.
If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and your uterus is contracting more than usual, the following steps may stop your contractions:
- Drink 2 or 3 glasses of water or juice. Not having enough liquids can cause contractions.
- Stop what you are doing, empty your bladder, and lie down on your left side for at least 1 hour.
- Try to remember what you were doing when the symptoms started so that you can avoid starting the contractions again later.
- If your contractions get worse during the hour, call your doctor or nurse-midwife, or go to the hospital.
Although stress is not considered a direct cause of preterm labor, do what you can to reduce stress in your life for your own good. Try to do less, ask for help, and eat well.
If you have already been treated for preterm labor
If your contractions stop, you may be sent home from the hospital. Before you are discharged, you should know:
- The symptoms of preterm labor, including lower pelvic ache or backache, pressure, or cramps.
- What to do if preterm labor starts again, including drinking fluids, resting, and calling your doctor if symptoms don't improve in 1 hour.
- When to call your doctor or nurse-midwife. See the When to Call a Doctor section of this topic.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 10, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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