What are the treatment options for preterm labour?

Clinicians assess contractions, cervical change, bleeding, fluid leakage, infection and fetal wellbeing. They consider how far pregnancy has progressed and whether delivery is safer than continuing. An antenatal corticosteroid injection may support fetal lung development when early birth is possible. Magnesium sulfate may be discussed at very early gestations for fetal neuroprotection. Tocolytic medicine may sometimes delay labour briefly, giving time for steroids, transfer to a neonatal unit or specialist preparation; it is not suitable when infection, heavy bleeding or fetal compromise makes birth urgent.

Call your maternity unit for regular contractions, pelvic pressure, backache, bleeding or a gush or trickle of fluid. Do not drive yourself if symptoms are severe. At hospital, monitoring, vaginal examination and tests may clarify whether labour is established. Antibiotics are used when infection is suspected or membranes have ruptured. A neonatal team may explain breathing support, feeding and temperature care. Cervical cerclage is a planned procedure for selected cervical problems and is not a routine treatment once active labour or infection is present.

Seek immediate maternity assessment for contractions that become regular, vaginal bleeding, suspected waters breaking, fever, severe abdominal pain, or reduced fetal movement. Emergency help is needed for heavy bleeding, collapse, severe breathlessness or a baby about to be born. Early assessment allows the team to check for infection and arrange appropriate neonatal support.

Ask whether labour is confirmed, which medicines are suitable at your gestation, whether transfer to a neonatal unit is needed, and how birth plans may change if symptoms progress.