Preterm labor screening is offered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery. Here’s why it’s important.
You’re in the middle of a winning customer presentation. You’re brandishing slides and statistics and doing a swell job. You’ve got this, you think. Only, as you finish with a flourish, and shake hands to seal the deal, you’re greeted by a flood of warm fluid down your trousers in a congratulatory ode to your successful pitch. As if somehow, your baby decided it was time to make an early exit to join in the celebrations. But oh, the timing. If you’ve experienced preterm labor, you know the feeling. If you haven’t and have a little one on the way, it’s worth going through this trusty little guide.
Preterm labor pertains to regular uterine contractions and resultant changes in the cervix before 37 weeks of gestation. Cervical changes such as effacement and dilation can lead to premature birth (defined as birth between 20 and 37 weeks of gestation). While you may find the prospect of meeting your baby sooner than expected exciting, the truth is, there are significant risks associated with preterm birth. Babies born too early are usually underdeveloped and may have lifelong health and developmental problems like cerebral palsy and learning disabilities.
The highest risk of health problems occurs in babies born before 34 weeks, although babies born between 34 and 37 weeks may also suffer from preterm health issues.
Some women are more susceptible to preterm labor than others. Risk factors include:
Your body’s pretty intelligent at passing messages from your baby to you. Here are some signs and symptoms that your baby might be looking to make an early entry, earth-side:
Read More: Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor
Why, yes there are! If your doctor thinks you might be at risk of preterm labor, you may be recommended special screenings to gauge your risk.
Here are the three main prenatal screening tools.
Your risk of preterm labor can be qualitatively assessed at your first prenatal visit. Your doctor may ask you questions about your medical history, prior deliveries and current health conditions before preparing a risk profile.
At around 22 weeks of pregnancy, your doctor may test for fetal fibronectin (FFN) in your vaginal discharge, by swabbing your cervix or vagina. FFN binds the amniotic sac to the uterine lining and appears in cervical secretions at about 22 weeks. However, FFN in the outer cervix could be an indication of impending preterm labor. It’s important to remember this test is not diagnostic. This means the presence of FFN is not a true predictor of preterm labor. Its absence, conversely, can be taken as a sign of low risk, implying that you are unlikely to go into labor anytime soon.
The length of your cervix, measured via ultrasound, may hold a mirror to your risk of preterm labor. A shortened cervix is a sign of cervical effacement, putting you at a higher risk of preterm delivery. Changes in your cervix may prompt your doctor to conduct a pelvic exam to diagnose preterm labor. If you have had a prior preterm birth or come under the high-risk category for preterm labor, it’s vital that you’re regular with your doctor’s appointments, especially as you approach your due date. With the right prenatal care and treatment, you can offset the chances of preterm delivery and give your baby the best chance of a healthy start to life.
Must Read: The Labour Lookbook
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A pelvic exam will check the uterus to see how firm and tender it is. A vaginal ultrasound will help determine the length of the cervix, the baby’s position, and overall health. Uterine monitoring helps track contractions if they have started. If you are experiencing symptoms of preterm labour, Fetal Fibronectin Testing can help. A positive result does not confirm preterm labour, but is an indication of the possibility.
A preterm baby has to be checked for low birth weight, low body fat, fine body hair, translucent skin with visible veins, and potential breathing issues. If needed, ultrasounds and echocardiography are taken to check the baby’s brain and heart. The blood gases, hearing, and vision are also checked.
Screening for preterm birth is the process of identifying high-risk pregnancies that can end in a preterm delivery. Blood tests, ultrasounds, and a review of the clinical history can help doctors estimate the likelihood of a preterm delivery. The screening includes measuring the cervical length and checking for infections.
Preterm labour is usually diagnosed between weeks 20 and 37. It is easy to mistake false labour for preterm labour. To be sure, your healthcare professional will *Check for regular uterine contractions *Physically check the cervix for effacement and dilation *Check vaginal secretions to assess the risk of preterm delivery using the Fetal Fibronectin Test *Take a urine culture test to check for infections.
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