PRETERM LABOR

Occurs before the end of week of 37 AOG,

Any woman having persistent uterine contractions (four every 20 min) should
be considered to be in labor.
Common symptoms of early preterm labor include persistent, dull, low
backache; vaginal spotting; a feeling of pelvic pressure or abdl tightening;
menstrual-like cramping; increased vaginal discharge; uterine contractions
and intestinal cramping.
Associated with dehydration, UTI, periodontal dse, and those who receive
inadequate prenatal care

Ther. Mgmt.
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Changes in vaginal mucus presence of fetal fibronectin (CHON prod. by

trophoblast cells) . if this is present in vaginal mucus, it predicts preterm
contractions, absence of the CHON predicts that labor will not occur for
atleast 14 days.
Bed rest, hydration may help stop contractions. If woman is dehydrated,
pituitary gland is activated to secrete ADH, and this may cause to release
oxytocin
Tocolytic agent ( terbutaline) act almost entirely on beta 2 receptor sites ,
as a beta 2 receptor it causes blood vessels and bronchi to relax along with
the uterine muscle.

Premature cervical dilation

First symptom is a show/increased pelvic pressure, followed by rupture of of
membranes and discharge of the amniotic fluid.
Commonly occurs at approximately week 20 of pregnancy, when the fetus is still too
immature to survive.
Associated with maternal age, congenital structural defects, and trauma to the
cervix