Preventing Early Births
Because medical experts don’t always know what causes preterm labor, there are many signs you should be aware of and discuss with your physician, midwife or birth worker as soon as possible if you have questions or concerns.
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Get early and regular prenatal care.
Prenatal visits help your provider monitor both your health and your baby’s health. Starting care early and keeping regular appointments gives you time to discuss any symptoms or worries along the way.
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Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
Good nutrition plays an important role in pregnancy. Some research suggests diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may be linked to a lower risk of preterm birth. PUFAs are found in foods like nuts, seeds, fish and plant-based oils.
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Avoid risky substances.
If you smoke, try to quit as early as possible and talk with your provider about support options. Smoking cessation programs can help. Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs during pregnancy.
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Think about pregnancy spacing.
Research suggests pregnancies spaced fewer than six months apart or more than 59 months apart may be linked to a higher risk of preterm birth. Talk with your provider about family planning and spacing that works for you.
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Use assisted reproductive technology (ART) thoughtfully.
If you are planning to use assisted reproductive technology, discuss how many embryos will be implanted. Multiple pregnancies carry a higher risk of preterm labor. Assisted reproductive technology includes medical procedures used to help people become pregnant.
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Manage chronic health conditions.
Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity can increase the risk of preterm labor. Work with your healthcare provider to keep chronic conditions well managed before and during pregnancy.
Know the Signs of Preterm Labor
Understanding the signs of labor can help you act quickly if preterm labor begins. Contact your provider if you notice any of the following:
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A change in vaginal discharge (watery, mucus-like or bloody) or more discharge than usual
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Pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen, as if your baby is pushing down
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A constant, dull lower back ache
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Belly cramps, with or without diarrhea
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Regular or frequent contractions that cause your belly to tighten or harden (these may or may not be painful)
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Your water breaks**
** This can happen as a gush or a slow trickle of fluid. If you think your water has broken at any time during pregnancy, seek medical care right away.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away or go to your hospital’s emergency department for evaluation.
Do you have a non-emergency question about managing a chronic condition during pregnancy? You can submit your question to our Ask the Medical Team! feature, and we’ll do our best to address it in our periodic updates.
If you have an emergency question or concern, please contact your provider.
