Preventing preterm labor: what to know

Preterm labor starts before the pregnancy reaches full term. Some causes cannot be prevented, but a maternity team can look for factors that increase risk, such as a previous early birth, cervical changes, multiple pregnancy, infection or a long-term health condition. Regular visits give the team opportunities to review blood pressure, symptoms, medicines and the baby's growth.

Your clinician may discuss options based on your history and examination. A cervical stitch may be considered when the cervix is at risk of opening too early. If early birth becomes a concern, antenatal steroid injections may help prepare the baby's lungs. These are individual decisions, not routine steps for everyone.

Keep every antenatal appointment and tell your clinician about a previous preterm birth, vaginal bleeding, fluid loss, contractions or pelvic pressure. Take prescribed medicines as directed, attend tests, and seek advice before stopping treatment. Avoid smoking, vaping, alcohol and non-prescribed drugs; ask for support if stopping is difficult. Eat regularly, drink enough fluids and follow advice about activity rather than imposing bed rest yourself.

Do not use leftover antibiotics or treat possible vaginal or urinary infections without assessment. Ask which symptoms should prompt a same-day call and keep your maternity unit's contact details available.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for regular tightening or cramps, period-like pain, new pelvic pressure, low back pain that does not settle, vaginal bleeding, a gush or continuing trickle of fluid, fever, or a noticeable change in your baby's movements. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe: early assessment can identify contractions, infection or membrane rupture and guide the next step.

Ask: Does my history change my risk? Do I need cervical-length monitoring? Which symptoms require immediate assessment? Would a cervical cerclage or antenatal steroid injection be appropriate, and why?