What it means
Regular contractions open the cervix before the baby is ready to be born. Babies born early may have trouble breathing, feeding and keeping warm. Treatment may include drugs to slow contractions for a short time and steroids given to the mother to help the baby's lungs mature.
For the nurse
Teach pregnant clients to report regular tightening of the belly, low dull backache, pelvic pressure, cramps or a change in vaginal discharge before 37 weeks.
At a glance
| Spanish | parto prematuro |
|---|---|
| Also written | premature labor |
Related terms
uterine contraction
A tightening and then relaxing of the muscle of the uterus (womb), as happens during labor.
third trimester
The last part of pregnancy, from week 28 until birth.