How is preterm labour treated?

The maternity team may assess contractions, cervical changes, bleeding, fluid loss, infection signs, and the baby’s heart rate. Back pain, pelvic pressure, regular tightening, or waters breaking can be signs of labour, while Braxton Hicks contractions are often irregular and do not progressively change the cervix. The team may use an examination, monitoring, and tests to decide whether labour is established and whether delaying birth could help.

If birth may happen soon, antenatal corticosteroid injections can help prepare the baby’s lungs. A medicine to slow contractions may sometimes provide time for assessment or for steroids to work, but it is not suitable in every situation. Antibiotics may be used when infection or waters breaking makes them appropriate. Cervical cerclage is a procedure used in selected pregnancies with cervical shortening or opening, usually after specialist assessment rather than during established labour. If continuing the pregnancy is unsafe, the team will prepare for birth and involve the neonatal team.

Contact your maternity unit immediately for regular painful contractions, fluid leaking from the vagina, vaginal bleeding, persistent back pain, pelvic pressure, or severe abdominal pain before the expected birth time. Use a pad to notice fluid loss, but do not delay assessment to monitor it at home. Severe pain, fever, feeling faint, or reduced baby movements also needs urgent review.

Are my contractions changing the cervix? Have my waters broken? Could a steroid injection help the baby? Would delaying labour be safe for me and the baby? Is cervical cerclage relevant in my situation? Which hospital team will care for the baby after birth?