What to do if preterm labor starts

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If you notice the symptoms of preterm labor:

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 have about 4 or more contractions in 20 minutes, or about 8 or more within 1 hour, call your doctor or nurse-midwife.
If your symptoms get worse during the hour, call your doctor or nurse-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 labor.

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Author	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology
Last Updated	January 19, 2007

Last updated:	January 19, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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