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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you develop any signs or symptoms of preterm labor, contact your health care provider right away. Depending on the circumstances, you might need immediate medical care.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, as well as what to expect from your health care provider.

What you can do
Before your appointment, you might want to:

  • Ask about pre-appointment restrictions. In most cases you'll be seen immediately. If that's not the case, ask whether you should restrict your activity while you wait for your appointment.
  • Ask a loved one or friend to join you for your appointment. The fear you might be feeling about the possibility of preterm labor can make it difficult to focus on what your health care provider says. Take someone along who can help remember all the information.
  • Write down questions to ask your health care provider. That way, you won't forget anything important that you want to ask, and you can make the most of your time with your health care provider.

Below are some basic questions to ask your health care provider about preterm labor. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.

  • Am I in labor?
  • Is my baby at risk of being born prematurely?
  • Is there anything I can do to help prolong my pregnancy?
  • Are there any treatments that could help the baby?
  • Do I need to be on bed rest? If so, for how long? What kinds of activities will I still be able to do? Will I need to be in the hospital?
  • What signs or symptoms should prompt me to call you?
  • What signs or symptoms should prompt me to go to the hospital?
  • What are the risks if my baby is born now?

What to expect from your health care provider
Your health care provider is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

  • When did you first notice your signs or symptoms?
  • Are you having contractions? If so, how many an hour?
  • Have you had any changes in vaginal discharge or bleeding?
  • Have you been exposed to an infectious disease? Do you have a fever?
  • Have you had any previous pregnancies, miscarriages, or cervical or uterine surgeries that I'm not aware of?
  • Do you or did you smoke? How much?
  • How far do you live from the hospital?
  • How long would it take you to get to the hospital in an emergency, including time to arrange any necessary child care, transportation and so on?
  • Do you have friends or loved ones nearby who could care for you if you need bed rest?
Tests and diagnosis Complications
References
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  2. Preterm labor and birth. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/Preterm_Labor_and_Birth.cfm. Accessed Sept. 22, 2011.
  3. Damus K. Prevention of preterm birth: A renewed national priority. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;20:590.
  4. Lockwood CJ. Overview of preterm labor and delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 22, 2011.
  5. Norwitz ER. Prevention of spontaneous preterm birth. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 22, 2011.
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  8. Caritis S, et al. Management of pregnant women after inhibition of preterm labor. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 22, 2011.
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  14. FDA approves drug to reduce risk of preterm birth in at-risk pregnant women. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm242234.htm. Accessed Sept. 22, 2011.
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  19. Norwitz ER. Transvaginal cervical cerclage. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 4, 2011.
  20. Marc I, et al. Mind-body interventions during pregnancy for preventing or treating women's anxiety (review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2011; CD007559. http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews. Accessed Oct. 6, 2011.
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  22. Honein MA, et al. The association between major birth defects and preterm birth. Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2009;13:164.
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  37. Murry MM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 10, 2011.
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DS01197 Feb. 24, 2012

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