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Premature labour is labour that begins before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Premature labour can happen to anyone. Often the cause of premature labour is unknown. Premature labour may result in your baby being born too soon.
It is important to carry a baby for the full 40 weeks. Premature labour is one of the most common problems in pregnancy. It is the cause of 75% of all newborn deaths in babies born without birth defects. The earlier a child is born, the more severe the problems. It is important to know the signs of premature labour. Sometimes premature labour can be stopped or delayed.
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What are the signs of premature labour?
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- Bleeding from the vagina
- A trickle or gush of fluid for the vagina
- Stomach pains or bad cramps that don't go away
- Lower back pain or pressure or a change in lower backache
- Pressure in the pelvis, feeling that the baby is pushing down
- Contractions - they feel regular and don't go away when you walk or rest
- An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge
- Feeling that something is just not right
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Premature babies are at higher risk of
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- Breathing difficulties
- Sucking and swallowing problems
- Jaundice (yellowish skin)
- Infection
- Bruising and bleeding
- Problems maintaining body temperature
- Longer hospital stays
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The earlier your baby is born before term, the greater the risk of developing lifelong problems such as
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- Vision problems
- Breathing problems
- Learning problems
- Walking difficulties
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Causes of premature labour
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We do not know what causes most premature labour. It is known that the chance of having premature labour is greater if you:
- Smoke or are exposed to smoke in pregnancy
- Are using alcohol or drugs
- Do not eat a healthy diet
- Are physically or emotionally abused
- Have already had a preterm baby
- Are carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets)
- Work long hours which cause you to be very tiered
- Have a chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease
- Have a current bladder or kidney infection or have high blood pressure
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How can you reduce your risk of premature labour?
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- Go to regular prenatal appointments with your doctor or midwife
- Follow Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating
- Do not smoke, drink or use drugs
- Seek help if you are abused
- Avoid strenuous work and do not work for more than 8 hours
- Talk to your health care provider about extra stress in your life
- Try to have time to rest each day
- Wear your seat belt low and over the pelvic bones, with the shoulder strap worn between your breasts
- Listen to your body, - talk to your health care provider if you feel that something is different
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What do you do if you are in premature labour?
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Contact your health care provider and go to the hospital right away. You need to be examined. This can make a big difference in your baby's health.
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For More Information on Your Pregnancy
Contact the Health Unit to speak with a public health nurse. In Clinton and area call 519.482.3416 or toll free 1.877.837.6143. Residents in northern communities in the County can contact a public health nurse in Wingham at 519.357.4993.
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