How long can labor be stopped

Preterm contractions might be Braxton Hicks contractions, which are common and don't necessarily mean that your cervix will begin to open. If you're having contractions that you think might be a symptom of preterm labor, try walking, resting or changing positions.

This might stop false labor contractions. If you're in true preterm labor, however, your contractions will continue. Bed rest to manage preterm labor hasn't been shown to reduce the risk of preterm birth. Bed rest can lead to blood clots, emotional distress and muscle weakness. If you're at risk of preterm labor or premature birth, you might feel scared or anxious about your pregnancy.

This might be especially true if you have a history of preterm labor or premature birth. Consult your health care provider about healthy ways to relax and stay calm. If you develop any signs or symptoms of preterm labor, contact your health care provider right away.

Depending on the circumstances, you might need immediate medical care. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, as well as what to expect from your health care provider.

Below are some basic questions to ask your health care provider about preterm labor. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask. Preterm labor poses serious risks for your baby. Work with your health care provider to understand your diagnosis and improve your chance of a healthy outcome. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Your health care provider will review your medical history and risk factors for preterm labor and evaluate your signs and symptoms. More Information Pelvic exam Ultrasound. More Information Cervical cerclage. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lockwood CJ.

When a baby is born earlier than 37 weeks, it's called a preterm or premature birth. Babies who are born early can have health problems that may last their whole lives. Some women are more likely to go into labor early. Those with a short or weak cervix the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina or who have had a premature baby before are more likely to go into labor early.

In these cases, the doctor may recommend treatments such as:. Women who are having twins also are more likely to go into labor early. These treatments can't prevent early labor if you're carrying more than one baby. Moms who think they're in labor or are having contractions belly pains or cramps should call their doctor or midwife right away.

If there's any bleeding or your water breaks which can be an on-and-off leak, a steady leak, or a gush of fluid , it's important to get to a hospital right away. If labor starts early, it's best to go to a hospital that has a neonatal intensive care unit NICU.

Hospitals with a NICU specialize in treating preterm babies. Care for a woman in preterm labor can include:. Doctors won't try to stop contractions if the baby is more than 34 weeks and the lungs are developed, or if there are worries about the mother's or baby's health.

Stress causes many of the muscles in the body to contract so that a person is ready to respond quickly. However, there are certain muscles that relax instead of contracting during times of stress. Smooth muscle is one type of muscle that relaxes when someone is under stress.

Women respond differently to terbutaline, so its effects and how long they last vary from one woman to another. When you have a good response to terbutaline, the drug reduces the number and frequency of contractions. This can help delay delivery for several hours, depending on how quickly the medication is received. Although this may not seem like a lot of time, when terbutaline is administered along with steroids, it can significantly lower the risk for health problems in the baby. The use of terbutaline may be successful in treating preterm labor.

However, it does come with some risks to the mother and the baby. Since terbutaline is related to hormones released in the fight-or-flight response, a woman may experience the same effects when taking terbutaline as she does when under stress. Many women experience:. A few women have more serious side effects, such as irregular heartbeats , extra fluid in the lungs which is called pulmonary edema , and chest pain. The more serious side effects tend to occur when women are taking high doses, but the effects can also occur with standard doses.

Terbutaline may also increase your risk of diabetes. In some cases, death has been reported. There are concerns about long term use of this drug because the incidence of danger to the baby increases. This includes women with heart conditions or hyperthyroidism , and poorly controlled diabetes. The FDA issued an advisory in February of regarding the use of terbutaline in the treatment of preterm labor.

It also warns that injectable terbutaline should only be used in urgent situations, and for no longer than 48 to 72 hours.

Prolonged use of the medication greatly increases the risk for life-threatening heart problems in the mother. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. What you eat during pregnancy is important for your health, as well as the health of your baby. Here are 13 foods you should eat when you're pregnant. A stroke can be life-threatening, so it's important to act fast.