What are the symptoms of premature birth? What should you pay attention to when you have premature birth?

Premature birth is a common phenomenon. There are many signs of premature birth. We can identify whether it is premature birth. So, what are the symptoms of premature birth?

What is premature birth

Premature birth refers to delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. The lower limit is different in different countries. Many developed countries use 22 weeks of gestation, and some use 24 weeks earlier. Most developing countries, including my country, follow the definition of WHO in the 1960s, that is, the delivery of the fetus before 28 to 37 weeks of gestation is called premature birth. The incidence of premature birth is 5% to 12%, which is the highest among all pregnancy complications. The difference in incidence is due to the different definitions of the lower limit of premature birth, as well as differences between regions and races. For example, the incidence of premature birth in black Americans is higher than that in whites, and the incidence of premature birth in Asian Australians is higher than that in other races. The reported incidence in my country is between 5% and 8%.

What are the symptoms of premature birth?

1. Lower abdominal pain

There is dull pain in the lower abdomen similar to that before menstruation, regular uterine contractions and hardening of the abdomen, 6 or more contractions per hour, each lasting at least 40 seconds. This type of labor may be painful or not.

2. Continuous back pain

Persistent lower back pain, increased vaginal discharge or red blood as if water breaks or bleeding, intestinal colic or constant diarrhea, etc.

3. The secretion is abnormal

Increased discharge, such as watery or bloody vaginal discharge.

If there are signs of premature birth, regardless of the time of occurrence or the severity, it is recommended that expectant mothers seek medical attention early to give the obstetrician and gynecologist ample time to provide appropriate and rapid treatment, such as administering medications to promote fetal lung maturity, thereby reducing the risk of premature birth.

TIPS2: People at high risk of premature birth

Premature labor and delivery can happen to any expectant mother, but some women are more likely to experience it. Medically, some risk factors have been verified for doctors to refer to, but this is based on empirical rules and cannot accurately predict the inevitability of premature birth. In other words, expectant mothers with risk factors do not necessarily have premature births; expectant mothers without any risk factors do not necessarily have the possibility of premature births.

1. Multiple pregnancy;

2. Have a history of premature birth in the past;

3. Congenital abnormalities of the uterus or cervix;

4. Never received prenatal check-up;

5. Poor daily habits, such as smoking, drinking, and using illegal drugs;

6. Excessive physical and psychological pressure on expectant mothers;

7. The expectant mother has physical problems, such as premature rupture of membranes, cervical infection, vaginal infection, sexually transmitted diseases and other infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal coagulation function, low weight before pregnancy, excessive obesity, the fetus is congenitally deformed, etc.

What to do in case of premature birth

How to deal with premature birth: 1. Relax

When there are signs of premature birth, the expectant mother and her family may become nervous if they do not understand the situation. Therefore, when the expectant mother has premature birth, the family should first remain calm and provide the expectant mother with a stable environment, which can reduce the mental burden of the expectant mother and stabilize her emotions. If the expectant mother's emotions are not stable, she can take an appropriate amount of sedatives and tranquilizers. Let the expectant mother rest in bed, lying on the left side of the bed.

Methods for dealing with premature birth: 2. Medication for tocolysis

Treatment with tocolytic drugs can prolong the time of delivery. During this extended period, doctors will actively use specific drugs on expectant mothers. These drugs can accelerate the maturation of the fetus's lungs and other organs, and reduce the incidence of two common conditions in premature babies: death and malformations caused by immature organs.

Drugs are used to change the uterine response to stimulation and inhibit uterine contractions. Commonly used drugs include magnesium sulfate and salbutamol. It should be noted that the treatment of premature birth does not simply require prolonging pregnancy. Close observation is required during the treatment process. For expectant mothers with poor intrauterine environment and the risk of intrauterine fetal death, treatment should be terminated and pregnancy should be terminated as soon as possible.

How to deal with premature birth 3. Check uterine contractions

If the expectant mother has regular uterine contractions, it may be a sign of premature birth. At this time, the expectant mother needs to check the contractions to determine whether it is a sign of premature birth. The expectant mother can put her fingers on the abdomen. If she feels the uterus relax and tighten, she can record the frequency of the contractions. If the contractions occur every 10 minutes or so, and they remain the same even if you change your position, you should see a doctor immediately.

How to care for premature babies

Compared with full-term babies, premature babies have many underdeveloped parts, so they need more careful care to ensure their health and healthy growth.

1. Temperature/humidity

Parents should control the temperature of premature babies' growth environment between 24℃ and 26℃, and the humidity between 55% and 65%. Parents can place a basin of water in the room to make the indoor air cleaner and facilitate the premature babies' breathing. The clothes for premature babies should be light, warm and soft. The premature babies' body temperature should be measured every 4 to 6 hours. Unnecessary movement and turning should be reduced, and they should not be allowed to play.

2. Vitamin Supplements

Premature babies grow and develop faster than normal babies. Since they do not have enough vitamins and trace elements in their bodies, they need to be supplemented with vitamins A, B, C, E, K, and trace elements: calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, etc. Breastfeeding is the best option. If there is no breast milk or the breast milk is insufficient, you need to choose milk powder specially made for premature babies.

3. Prevent infection

If the premature baby is cared for by special medical staff in the premature baby room of the hospital after birth, parents do not need to worry too much and just follow the instructions of the medical staff. If the premature baby is at home, others should be prevented from having too much contact with the premature baby, and kissing and touching should be avoided. Caregivers should wash their hands frequently and wear masks.

4. Feeding

Because premature babies' sucking ability is not as good as that of full-term babies, you need to be more patient when feeding them. Generally, the feeding time is about half an hour. If the premature baby has just been moved home from the hospital, the diet should be the same as when in the hospital. The change of environment will affect the premature baby's stomach and intestines. Let the premature baby have an adaptation process. After a few days, you can choose the feeding food according to the family situation.

5. Inspection

Return to the hospital for regular check-ups to ensure the healthy growth of premature babies.