What is the recommended treatment for patients at risk of preterm labor?

Patient Information Sheet: Treatment for Preterm Labor

What is Preterm Labor?

Preterm labor is when your body starts the birth process before your pregnancy reaches full term (37 weeks). Treatment is important because babies born too early may face health challenges.

Recommended Treatments for Preterm Labor

Antenatal Corticosteroids

For women between 34 and 36+6 weeks of pregnancy who are likely to deliver early, doctors recommend a single course of antenatal corticosteroids (two doses of betamethasone 24 hours apart) to help your baby's lungs mature. 1

• These medications help reduce breathing problems, brain bleeding, and other complications in premature babies 1
• They work best when given at least 24 hours before delivery 1
• They are not recommended if you're unlikely to deliver before 37 weeks 1
• They are not recommended if you have pregestational diabetes due to risk of newborn low blood sugar 1

Tocolytic Medications

Tocolytics are medications that can temporarily stop contractions:

• The main purpose is to delay delivery for 48-72 hours to allow time for corticosteroids to work and for transfer to a hospital with appropriate neonatal care 2
• Common tocolytics include nifedipine (calcium channel blocker), indomethacin (anti-inflammatory), terbutaline, and magnesium sulfate 1, 2
• These medications don't prevent preterm birth long-term but can buy valuable time 2, 3

Magnesium Sulfate for Brain Protection

• If delivery is expected before 32 weeks, magnesium sulfate may be given to protect your baby's brain 4
• This treatment reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in very premature babies 2, 4

Antibiotics

• If your water has broken early (premature rupture of membranes), antibiotics are strongly recommended to prevent infection and prolong pregnancy 4

What to Expect During Treatment

• You may need intravenous (IV) fluids, but your doctor will carefully monitor the amount to prevent fluid overload 1
• Your baby's heart rate will be monitored regularly 2
• You may experience side effects from medications:
  • Corticosteroids: generally well-tolerated but may affect blood sugar levels 1
  • Tocolytics: may cause low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, or other side effects depending on the medication used 2, 3

Important Considerations

• Your doctor will choose treatments based on how far along your pregnancy is, your medical history, and your baby's condition 2
• If you have diabetes, special consideration is needed when using corticosteroids 1
• The benefits and risks of each treatment should be discussed with your healthcare provider 1, 2

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

• Regular contractions
• Rupture of membranes (water breaking)
• Vaginal bleeding
• Decreased fetal movement
• Severe abdominal pain

Remember that early detection and treatment of preterm labor gives your baby the best chance for a healthy outcome.