Preterm labor

• Preterm labor and birth can happen to any pregnant woman.
• Women can take steps to reduce the risk of preterm labor.
• Learn the signs of preterm labor and what to do about them.

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We all want a healthy 9 months of pregnancy. But sometimes, things may not go as planned. One in nine babies in the United States is born prematurely, before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Premature birth can lead to serious health problems for babies.

Preterm labor and birth can happen to any pregnant woman. But some women are at greater risk than others. You can take steps to lower your chance of preterm labor. Know the signs of preterm labor and what to do if they happen to you.

If your pregnancy is healthy, wait for labor to begin on its own. If there are problems with your pregnancy or your baby's health, you may need to have your baby early. But if you have a choice and you're planning to schedule a c-section or induction, wait until at least 39 weeks. This gives your baby the time he needs to develop before he's born.

If you do go into labor early, you need special care. For instance, some women may need a cerclage to help avoid preterm labor. Others may need special medicines when labor starts too soon.

If you’ve had a premature baby before, you may be thinking about getting pregnant again. Treatment with a drug called progesterone may be right for you. Talk to your health care provider.

See also: Thinking about pregnancy after premature birth, Progesterone treatment to prevent preterm birth, Why at least 39 weeks is best for your baby, Fetal fibronectin, Preterm labor: What dads can do