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The information presented on this website has been developed and reviewed by Besins Healthcare. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

Preterm Birth

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Treatment, management, and support

Treatment to prevent preterm birth

Depending on your fertility and birthing history, you may be offered treatment to prevent preterm birth. If you have given birth at less than 34 weeks pregnant before, had a miscarriage from 16 weeks pregnant, or your waters have broken before 37 weeks in a previous pregnancy, you may be offered a vaginal ultrasound scan between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy to see if treatment may be helpful.1,2   

There are 2 treatments that may be offered:1

  • Progesterone, this hormone helps the womb (uterus) grow during pregnancy and prevents contractions2-4
  • A procedure to put a stitch in your cervix to help support it (called cervical cerclage)2

These treatments are usually given, when appropriate, before 24 weeks of pregnancy.1,2

If your waters have broken1,2

If your waters have broken (called preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes or PPROM), there's an increased risk of infection for you and your baby. If tests show you do have an infection, you might be offered antibiotics.  

Having PPROM doesn’t always mean that you will go into labour. However, you will be advised to call your midwife or maternity unit immediately if you experience any of the following:1,5 

High temperature, or you feel hot, cold or shivery
Fluid coming from your vagina which may have a green colour to it or is smelly
Bleeding from your vagina
Back or tummy pain
Contractions

You'll be offered immediate induction or a caesarean section if you have PPROM between weeks 34 and 37 of pregnancy, and a test has found group B strep bacteria in your urine or vagina.1,6

If your waters have not broken

If you think you may be going into premature labour, call your hospital or your maternity unit straight away - they will usually tell you to go straight to hospital.5 You will be checked to confirm whether you're in labour, including asking you about possible signs of labour, such as:1,2

Are you having contractions – if so, how strong and how far apart are they?
Do you have any pain?
Is there any fluid coming from your vagina?

Other checks may include a vaginal examination, your pulse, blood pressure and temperature.1,2 

Your midwife or doctor will also check your baby. They may feel your bump to find out what position the baby is in, and how far into the pelvis the baby’s head has moved. Make sure you tell them if you’ve noticed a change in your baby’s movements.1,2

If you're in premature labour

The midwife or doctor may offer:1,2,6

Medicine to try to slow down or stop your labour
Steroid injections, which can help prepare your baby's lungs for breathing (especially if under 36 weeks of pregnancy)
Magnesium sulphate through a drip - to help protect your baby's brain and nervous system if you're 24 to 33 weeks pregnant

Slowing down labour or stopping it is not appropriate for everyone with preterm labour. Your midwife or doctor will consider how many weeks pregnant you are, and whether you have an infection or bleeding, as this means it could be safer for the baby to be born.1,2

Also, the availability of local neonatal (newborn) care facilities should be considered, and of course your preferences.1

Looking after your mental health

If you have been told that you are at risk of having a preterm birth, you may be feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Make sure you tell your healthcare team how you feel – they are there to support you throughout your pregnancy whatever happens.

They should be able to direct you to other sources of support and provide you with information on mental health in pregnancy.

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