What to do if preterm labour starts
If you notice the symptoms of preterm labour:
- Drink 2 to 3 glasses of water or juice—too little body fluid can cause contractions.
- Stop what you are doing, empty your bladder, and lie down on your left side for at least an hour.
- If your symptoms continue, place your hands on either side of your uterus and feel for tightening and then softening of the muscle. Using a watch or clock with a second hand, time how long the tightening lasts and how often it occurs. A mild contraction will feel as firm as the tip of your nose. A moderate contraction will feel like your chin, and a strong one as firm as your forehead. If you continue to have more than 4 moderate contractions in an hour, call your doctor or registered midwife.
- If your symptoms get worse during the hour, call your doctor or registered midwife or go to the hospital. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Strong contractions can make driving dangerous.
At your next prenatal appointment, discuss your symptoms. If the contractions stopped, they were probably Braxton Hicks contractions or false labour.
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley | Last Updated: April 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology | |
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