By Stephanie Sosnowski, Deputy Director

A preterm or “premature” birth is when a baby is born three weeks or more before the due date. A full term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, give or take two weeks. This gives the baby lots of time for the organs to fully develop and to prepare for life outside the womb. When a baby is born preterm, she may not be able to suckle or digest well, her liver may not work properly or she may have breathing problems. Premature babies have a higher risk of having health problems throughout their lives. On an average day in the United States, 1,393 babies are born prematurely. Sadly, prematurity is the number one killer of newborns.

Who is at risk for preterm labor?
Women younger than 17 or over 35 years old, women carrying twins or any multiple pregnancy, women who have already had a preterm baby and some women who do strenuous activity at work or at home are at greatest risk for giving birth too soon. Among racial/ethnic
subgroups, preterm birth rates were highest for non-Hispanic Black mothers (March of Dimes Fact Sheet, 2007). Remember, too, that many women who have none of these risk factors may also deliver a preterm baby. This is why it is so important for all pregnant women to be aware of the warning signs of preterm labor.

What are the warning signs?
• Menstrual-like cramps (constant or occasional).
• Low, dull backache (constant or occasional).
• Pelvic pressure (feels like the baby is pushing down).
• Abdominal cramping (with or without diarrhea).
• Increase or change in mucous vaginal discharge.
• Uterine contractions every 10 minutes or more (may be painless).
• Call your doctor immediately if you are bleeding or feel water leaking from your
vagina.

What should you do if you experience preterm labor symptoms?
• Stop what you are doing and lie down on your left side for one hour.
• Drink two to three glasses of water or juice.
• Call your health care provider or go to the hospital if symptoms get worse during that hour.
• Never ignore your symptoms or assume they are not important!
• Let your healthcare provider know that you have experienced these symptoms.

To help prevent preterm labor
Although there is no specific formula for preventing preterm labor, all women should know they can take steps to help prevent it. These steps include seeing your health care provider before you become pregnant, and taking a daily multiple vitamin that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid. Once you are pregnant, getting early and regular prenatal
care is important, too. Prenatal care includes determining how well your baby is growing, and keeping tabs on the mother’s health. If you can not afford to go to the doctor, please contact Maternal-Infant Services Network. We can help you find prenatal care services, and help you enroll into Family Health Plus or Child Health Plus health
insurance programs for which you may be eligible.

Stephanie Sosnowski is Deputy Director of Maternal-Infant Services Network (MISN) of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, a not-for-profit organization that coordinates health and human services for pregnant women and children. Visit our website at www.misn-ny.org or call 1-800-453-4666 for more information.

For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.