Regular contractions
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Explore overview, symptoms, causes, treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and FAQ articles for this condition.
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Causes of Preterm labor
Preterm labor is caused by a premature activation of the biological processes that normally keep pregnancy stable until the fetus has matured enough for birth. In other words, labor begins before 37 weeks of gestation because one or more systems that…
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Diagnosis of Preterm labor
Preterm labor is the onset of regular uterine contractions with cervical change before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. It is not diagnosed by symptoms alone. Clinicians combine the patient’s description of contractions, a pelvic examination, and targeted tests to determine whether…
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What is Preterm labor
Preterm labor is the onset of labor before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, when the uterus begins the coordinated process of contractions and cervical change too early for normal fetal development. It involves the interaction of the uterus, cervix, fetal membranes,…
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Symptoms of Preterm labor
The symptoms of preterm labor are changes that reflect the uterus beginning labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The most typical symptoms include regular or tightening contractions, pelvic pressure, lower back pain, abdominal cramping, and changes in vaginal discharge. These symptoms…
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Treatment for Preterm labor
What treatments are used for Preterm labor? The main approaches include medications that slow uterine contractions, corticosteroids that accelerate fetal organ maturation, antibiotics when infection is suspected or membranes have ruptured, magnesium sulfate in selected cases for fetal neuroprotection, and procedures…
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Prevention of Preterm labor
Preterm labor refers to the onset of labor before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. It cannot always be prevented, because some triggers arise suddenly and some pregnancies are affected by conditions that are not modifiable. Even so, the risk can often…
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FAQ about Preterm labor
This FAQ article explains preterm labor in clear, practical terms. It covers what preterm labor is, why it happens, how it is diagnosed, how it is treated, and what it may mean for pregnancy outcomes. It also answers common questions about…